This is the last chapter that deals with formal prayers. And while this chapter is short, I think it is a little profound what Saint Benedict writes for us to read.
- Whenever we want to ask some favor of a powerful man, we do it humbly and respectfully, for fear of presumption.
- How much more important, then, to lay our petitions before the Lord God of all things with the utmost humility and sincere devotion.
- We must know that God regards our purity of heart and tears of compunction, not our many words.
- Prayer should therefore be short and pure, unless perhaps it is prolonged under the inspiration of divine grace.
- In community, however, prayer should always be brief; and when the superior gives the signal, all should rise together.
Obviously, God should be approached with humility and devotion (and fear and trembling) - He is the most powerful being. So, we approach God like we would a king, or a great ruler. And while this is obvious to us as we read these words does this remain obvious to us when we actually approach God in prayer? I think that is one of the very important reasons to have a formal prayer rule - so we can learn to always approach God in the proper manner when we pray to Him.
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