The Source
General Constitutions
Article 21-1
According the the example and teaching of St. Francis, the brothers shall show all reverence and honor to the Sacreament of the Lord's most Holy Body and Blood since the Eucharist contains the entire spiritual wealth of the Church. The brothers should use suitable ways to nourish in themselves a faithful love and regard for so great a mystery.
Article 22-1
Since the rule and life of the brothers is to live the holy gospel, they should read and meditate on the gospel and other Scriptures, so that as they grow, in their understanding of God's Word, they may reach the perfection of their state more fully.
Article 24
All the brothers, concerned for the spirit of prayer and devotion, should spend time every day in mental prayer, either by themselves or in communion.
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A PRAYER
The Power of Love
May the power of your love, O Lord, fiery and sweet as honey, wean my heart from all that is under heaven so that I may die for love of your love, you who were so good to die for love of my love.
Scio Pauperum crucifixum
Christus
The Word
Matthew 6:9-11
This is how you pray:
Our Father in Heaven
hallowed be your name
Your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors.
Do not subject us to the final test,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Gracious Aging 2
James W. Kelly, O.F.M., Editor
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The Day-to-Day
Prayer is not just an important part of a friar's day but an integral part of time. In the serenity and holiness of his heart and mind, prayer offers the chance to praise god, to converse and listen to God and to meditate on the goodness of God and to immerse oneself in God's presence.
For example, a brother may enter into centering prayer and offer himself completely to God
He may take comfort in reciting traditional prayers, experiencing pleasant, transcendent thoughts in the recitations cadence and recursiveness, as with the rosary.
He might draw his daily inspiration from praying with published prayers and meditations,
Or he may read the Scriptures reflectively and find there his guidance to live the gospel.
What matters is that a Friar prays daily in private and communally so that he acquires the Spirit of the Lord.
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