Daily Prayers for July 11
Benedict of Nursia (c. 480 – c. 547)
Benedict was born in the town of Nursia, near Rome. At age twenty, he left home and lived for three years as a hermit in a desolate cave. There he practiced severe asceticism, maturing in both mind and character. Though he had little contact with the outside world, Benedict gained a reputation for his holy life and discipline. Eventually he was asked to lead a monastery in a remote area near Monte Cassino. Drawing on older rules and the wisdom of experience, Benedict outlined in his rule a simple way of life for monks, centered on praying the daily office, studying Scripture, engaging in common labor for the good of the community, and performing works of charity. His vision of the holy life became the standard for Western monasticism and a model for how to live simply — in health, wholeness, and community.
O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you
as the day rises to meet the sun.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Come, let us bow down and the bend the knee : let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
Song “We Shall Not Be Moved”
Meet me, God, in the time of trial : and deliver me by your power.
Psalm 59:10 – 12, 15
My eyes are fixed on you, O my Strength : for you, O God, are my stronghold.
My merciful God comes to meet me : God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.
Slay them, O God, lest my -people forget : send them reeling by your might and put them down, O Lord our shield.
Let everyone know that God rules in Jacob : and to the ends of the earth.
Meet me, God, in the time of trial : and deliver me by your power.
Judges 9:1 – 16, 19 – 21 Acts 18:12 – 28
Meet me, God, in the time of trial : and deliver me by your power.
Benedict of Nursia said, “However late, then, it may seem, let us rouse ourselves from lethargy. That is what scripture urges on us when it says: the time has come for us to rouse ourselves from sleep. Let us open our eyes to the light that can change us into the likeness of God. Let our ears be alert to the stirring call of his voice crying to us every day: today, if you should hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Prayers for Others
Our Father
God, make us bold enough to question tyranny, impassioned enough to submit ourselves to good teachers, and discerning enough to know when it is our turn to lead. Amen.
May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you;
may he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm;
may he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you;
may he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.
