All that we do is to be touched by the grace of God, shaped by it, and perfected by it. This includes our virtues, and also the manner in which we pray.

Psalmody has always been apart of the prayer tradition of the church and in particular of the monastics. The psalms capture within them both the adversities and the joys that we experience in this world. It is the most important thing that we can do as human beings; to seek to God and offer a sacrifice of praise.

Therefore, the monks are very careful to allow their prayer to be guided by God. We can be willful even in the fashion that we pray and sing. This is also true in the times that we set for prayer for ourselves. For example, the monks prayed many times a day together; emphasizing that they are part of the body of Christ. We do not pray as individuals, but always aware of the radical communion that exists not only with God but with one another.

Thus, we find among the fathers an emphasis upon praying and singing while remaining conscious of what is going on within their hearts. We do not want to fall into distraction or lead others into it. Simplicity and humility should be the mark of worship; that which guides us in order that what we sing and pray is reflective of the reality within our hearts and our desire for God. Once again, we are presented with a kind of liturgical asceticism. Liturgy shapes the interior life and the interior life shapes the way that we pray.

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Text of chat during the group:

00:42:45 Lori Hatala: I have heard psalms chanted in different melodies. Is the melody of the chant relevant? 00:54:21 Tracey Fredman: Agreed, even if you do not have the time for a whole weekend at a monastery, even a visit while monks are at prayer can be life-altering. 00:55:06 Tracey Fredman: It can alter our prayer life, is what I mean. 00:55:41 Susanna Joy: Beautifully said...discipline is a silent "word" back to God 01:11:07 Wayne: If you have the opportunity to attend Matins or Vespers in the Eastern churches, the changing can have a very positive affect on you. 01:13:40 Andrew Adams: Thank you Father! 01:13:48 Edgard Riba: Thank you! 01:13:50 Rebecca Thérèse: Thank you🙏🙂 01:13:56 Troy Amaro: Thank You Father.

Patton Oswalt and Meredith Salenger