Rectors Ramblings
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
by The Rev. Jim Stewart
In our country and world today with all the divisions I thought it would be appropriate to give a prayer while we prepare for our futures, as well as learning to live together in peace. This prayer is from St. Benedict.
Benedicts Prayer
Gracious and Holy God, please give me: Intellect to understand you; diligence to seek you; wisdom to find you; a spirit to know you; a heart to meditate upon you; ears to hear you; eyes to see you; a tongue to proclaim you; a way of life pleasing to you; and perseverance to look for you.
Grant me: a perfect end, your holy presence, a blessed resurrection, and life everlasting. Amen.
Benedictine Values
Community Living; To become who we are by our relationships with others.
Hospitality; To offer warmth, acceptance, and joy in welcoming others.
Justice; To work toward a just order locally and in the larger society.
Listening; To hear keenly and sensitively the voices of people and all created beings.
Moderation; To be content with living simply, finding balance in work, prayer and leisure.
Peace; To strive for peace on all levels with self, others and God.
Stability; To cultivate rootedness and a shared sense of mission.
Stewardship; To appreciate and to care lovingly for all the goods of one’s place.
Taking Counsel; Practicing reflection and discernment in community
Truthful Living; To practice wholeheartedness for the faithful manner of life.
This prayer and values are ones I was given while visiting the Benediction Monastery in Peco’s New Mexico during my early calling to become a priest. If only we could all see the good in others and not be so quick to judge. To respect each person, regardless of class, background or abilities, and to love each other for the ideals that best fit Jesus Christ’s interpretation of how we should act and conduct ourselves. This should be the foundation of all people throughout the world and one I come back to at different stages of my life.
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