February 21

Chapter 18 pt. 1

The Rule of Benedict February 21

I have been struck over the last couple of years by the fact that almost every hour of the Divine Office begins with the versicle, "O God, come to my assistance," and the response, "O Lord, make haste to help me."  How profoundly honest to begin prayer with such a request.  And the expectation that, even if I'm praying 7 times in one day, I need God's help each time I approach God in prayer is naked realism on the part of Father Benedict.  What joy it is to experience the Presence of a God who honors such a request.