I always mean to follow as much of the Office as is humanly possible and have, to my own self-shock and awe, become someone who packs her prayer journal and copy of Magnificat in her purse or briefcase.
Sometimes I'm able to read silently while someone, somewhere is reading aloud. More often than I'd like to admit, these spiritual aids never get hauled out during the course of my busier days. Yesterday was one of those days, so I was very much looking forward to choir practice where I'd get the dual benefit of what St. Augustine once characterized as praying twice. I also desperately needed oxygenation after spending the entire day in either a conference room or car.
I arrived ten minutes early and settled into one of my favorite pews where I opted for some lectio divina. So enthralled was I with the luxury of being alone in a silent church, that I lost track of time. When I finally realized no one else was showing up for choir, I sat a bit longer and then left. Thirty minutes had elapsed, which has got to be some kind of record for me sitting still without adult supervision.
Having received exactly what I needed, I drove home thinking, "God is good!" Allelujah, amen.
