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"Dominican prayer is fundamentally communal. Through the liturgy of the Eucharist we seek to unify and strengthen our community life as we celebrate the presence of Christ in our daily experiences." (Constitution #21)
As Dominicans devoted to the proclamation of the Word of God, we read and reflect in common upon sacred Scripture, especially in the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours.
The combination of psalms and scripture readings meditated upon in common follows the classic Dominican mode of prayer, which is both ecclesial and contemplative.
Periods of private prayer, contemplation and the annual retreat offer concentrated time to deepen our commitment to God, ministry and community.
Judith Hilbing, OP (Springfield) writes, "The word contemplation comes from a root word that means a 'space for observation,' or 'to view with sustained attention.'" It is "a state of mystical awareness of God's being or presence in and around us."
"Those of us who live in an affluent nation can easily be consumed in a world of instant gratification, technology, individualism and entitlement.
It can be a challenge to work out our spiritual journey, our search for God and meaning, in a global context in the midst of global issues that confuse or frighten us.
By accepting the challenge - to sit in silence - we agree to stand on the isolated edges of human vulnerability and be changed by what we contemplate.
In contemplation we also gaze on the beauty that feeds us: children and elders, colors and designs, oceans, mountains, gardens, dancers, rainbows, music and stars." |
