Father David’s post of April 2, 2021, Good Friday:

“Seven times a day do I praise you, because of your righteous judgments.”

This well-known scripture verse from Psalm 119:164 is the foundation for the seven times of prayer that St. Benedict of Nursia developed in his monastic rule in the 6th century.

If you have ever been on retreat at a monastery or convent and entered into the rhythm of the community, you will know these seven times of prayer: Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. The Episcopal Book of Common Prayer includes four opportunities for prayer: morning, noonday, evening, and the end of the day.

For the last year I have been offering Morning and Evening Prayer on Facebook live. Seven months ago, others joined the team: Christina Lee, Mary Morgan, and Sister Rosie Castelli. Since late September, we have been offering Morning and Evening Prayer, Tuesdays through Fridays.

This past week we added Mondays to that schedule of prayer and, on Saturdays, added Compline at 8:00 in the evening and Noonday Prayer. This is an ambitious schedule, but I am so pleased that we can offer this.

For the us to grow as a community of faith, I am convinced that such growth begins with deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ and prayer. It is through Jesus and prayer we learn how to be followers of Jesus. It is also my belief and hope that, as more and more people engage with Jesus and begin a rule of prayer, then we will be more faithful and generous to one another and to be more involved in our community.

Click here to see the latest schedule of prayer services at SsAM.

This has been a difficult and stressful year for all of us, but I also feel that we are beginning to turn the corner because more and more people are getting vaccinated, and we are beginning to plan what way we will regather that is safe for everyone.

If you are interested in helping with one of these prayer services, or would like to speak to me about your relationship with Jesus, I am available by Zoom or an individual meeting.

This coming Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. May we, in the coming months and year, commit to not only saying that we are followers of Jesus but that we be the body of Christ.

Peace and a blessed Easter,
Fr. David+, OA