Prayer
The monks come to Saint John's Abbey Church throughout the day for the public celebration of Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours: Morning Prayer, Midday Prayer and Evening Prayer.
Eucharist
As it is for all Catholics, the Mass is central to monastic prayer. The monks of the abbey gather daily with parishioners, students, faculty and guests to offer the memorial of our redemption in the Eucharistic sacrifice.
The Liturgy of the Hours
At the heart of the Liturgy of the Hours are the psalms, those 150 ancient but ever new expressions of human longing for God. Singing and reciting the psalms prepare the monk for hearing the Word of God in readings from the Bible and spiritual authors, culminating in prayers of petition and praise.
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is the most distinctive form of Benedictine prayer. In lectio divina, monks read, ponder and pray with Scripture. In his Rule, Saint Benedict set aside the best part of the day for the brothers to engage in this practice. Monks today are still expected to do their lectio daily. Helping a newcomer learn how to do lectio is a major element of initial monastic formation.
A Prayer For Vocations
O loving and merciful God, you call us
to follow the example of Jesus, your Son,
through lives of service to one another.
Open our minds and hearts
to hear and recognize that call.
Give us the necessary grace
to remain faithful in our choice
to commit our lives to You
in whatever way You lead.
We ask especially that You send
your Holy Spirit upon the Church
to stir the hearts of many
to accept a vocation to serve You
as priests, sisters, brothers, and deacons.
In your name we pray.
Amen.
— John F. Kinney, D.D., Bishop of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, Imprimatur
Join us for Prayer
Guests are always welcome to join the monks for daily prayers and Eucharist. Please come up to the choir stalls on the west side of the altar and a monk will help you. Seating for Sunday Eucharist is in the main body of the church.
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