Community Discussion

I dont know if others have felt this or not, but I have been feeling a bit of guilt if during the day i get busy with work or life (not lazy, but busy) and go to the Pater Noster instead of the full Office or Little Office,( a little scrupulous ?😀) I picked up Francisco de Osuna “Third Spiritual Alphabet” this morning and opened it up.

Here are his words, sorry if its long:

“The first form or manner of prayer is vocal; accordingly it is the prayer of those who recite the divine office and praise the Lord with prayers they pronounce with the mouth. Of all the vocal prayers the most blessed prayer of the Pater Noster is preeminent, primarily because of the merit of its author, who was absolutely wise and absolutely powerful and could grant more pardons to whomever might recite his verses. He who devoutly says this prayer will never go unforgiven, for according to St. Augustine, the Lord pardons venial sins through it. Because he who says the prayer devoutly is asking the Father in the name of the Son who composed it and because the eternal Father Loves the author of this prayer more than those who compose others, He heeds this prayer more promptly than all others”

So i think its OK if I lift my heart to Our Almighty Father in the midst of my chaotic day, and pray an Our Father. Then, when all is quiet I can pray the Offices, which are so beautiful.