No, I’m not heading back to work. No typewriters or keyboards involved here. However…

I recently read that for centuries, members of religious orders maintained regular, formal times for prayer. They called this the “Daily Office”.  The Daily Office called for specific prayers at specific times of each day. Some of these prayers have been passed down over the centuries.

Lauds was a prayer of praise on awakening,  Prime appointed for the first hour, 6:00 AM. Terce was the prayer for the third hour, 9:00 AM. Sext came at the sixth hour, noon. Nones, was prayed midafternoon at the ninth hour, 3:00 PM. Vespers was the prayer for after supper; and Compline, the last prayer of the day at bedtime.

Now, I’m not suggesting that we follow the formality of this regimented ancient practice of daily prayer. But we could benefit from the idea of continuing our conversation with God throughout the day.

I’d like to share a little prayer I found that was suggested for Nones, midafternoon.
“The sun is leading into evening, Lord, yet, in your loving-kindness, you provide time to serve you still. Send someone my way, Lord, someone who needs your gentle touch. Let that someone feel it from you through me.”*

What a beautiful thought. Personally, as the afternoon grows late, I’m more likely thinking – Lord get me through this day. Or, Lord I’m tired, please don’t send any more burdens today. Or even more typically, good Lord whatever will I make for supper?  But instead the writer says “Send someone my way, Lord.”  If there is still time in this day, then send someone my way, someone who needs your gentle touch.

I’m reminded that the folks who come in and out of my day are not there by sheer coincidence. I confess, sometimes I see some as an annoyance, an intrusion into “my” schedule. But, if I keep my eyes and heart open, I may just see them as a gift from God – an opportunity to share God’s loving touch.

Let’s continue our conversation with God throughout our day. Whatever the hour, you know that you can come to Him freely, because He loves you – unconditionally.

Judy

*John Gugel,   Cries of Faith, Songs of Hope, Prayers for the Times of our Life.