The Morning and Evening Offices
The Morning and Evening Offices should include the Lord's Prayer to remind us of our covenant with God and the importance of forgiveness.
St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of incorporating the Lord's Prayer in the Morning and Evening Offices to prevent the growth of scandalous behavior. By reciting the prayer aloud, individuals are reminded of the covenant they make with God, especially in seeking forgiveness and cleansing themselves of faults. In the other Offices, only the last part of the prayer is to be said aloud, prompting a communal response to seek deliverance from evil.
Text
The Morning and Evening Offices should never be allowed to pass without the Superior saying the Lord's Prayer in its place at the end so that all may hear it, on account of the thorns of scandal which are apt to spring up. Thus those who hear it, being warned by the covenant which they make in that prayer when they say, "Forgive us as we forgive," may cleanse themselves of faults against that covenant. But at the other Offices let the last part only of that prayer be said aloud, so that all may answer, "But deliver us from evil."
Sermon Outline
- Importance of the Lord's Prayer
- In the Morning and Evening Offices
- The Superior's role in leading the prayer
Key Quotes
“Thus those who hear it, being warned by the covenant which they make in that prayer when they say, 'Forgive us as we forgive,' may cleanse themselves of faults against that covenant.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to forgive others as you are forgiven by God.
- Regularly reflect on your covenant with God and seek to maintain a healthy relationship with Him.
- Remember to pray for protection from evil and deliverance in times of need.