Prayer & Practice

Prayer has a central place in Benedictine life. Scripture, the Psalms and the Church’s worship help us turn toward God through the day. Regular times of prayer give this attention a place among our other responsibilities.

You can begin with a few quiet minutes, a passage of Scripture or a familiar prayer. These guides offer ways to begin and return.

Lectio divina

Lectio divina is a way of reading Scripture prayerfully. This guide introduces the practice of reading slowly, listening to the passage and responding to God in prayer.

Begin with lectio divina

Divine Office & Liturgy of the Hours

The Church’s daily prayer gives the Psalms a recurring place in the day. Learn about the Hours, their place in monasteries and ways to begin praying them yourself.

Explore the Liturgy of the Hours

Benedictine prayers

Find prayers associated with Saint Benedict, including a novena and prayers for his feast days. These texts offer words for personal prayer and the observance of his memory.

Find Benedictine prayers

The medal of Saint Benedict

The medal bears images and Latin prayers with a history of Catholic devotion. Explore their meaning and the place of the medal in the practice of faith.

Learn about the medal

To share an intention and pray for others, visit the Benedictine Prayer Guild.

32YEARS
e-benedictine · 1994–2026The Online Guide to Saint Benedict

A tradition of sharing
Benedictine wisdom online.