Is there quiet time in a Divine Liturgy for personal reflection?

[jwinch2]

I like the opportunity to kneel in quiet prayer and reflection after receiving Communion.

Interesting. That doesn’t happen in the Divine Liturgy? I know about the kneeling part, so I guess I am asking more about the time for prayer and reflection part.

I would really miss that aspect of the Mass if it were not there.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Interesting. That doesn’t happen in the Divine Liturgy? I know about the kneeling part, so I guess I am asking more about the time for prayer and reflection part.

I would really miss that aspect of the Mass if it were not there.

The time for quiet prayer and reflection is most certainly there.

 

[jwinch2]

The time for quiet prayer and reflection is most certainly there.

Interesting. Perhaps he will come back and clarify his comment then.

Peace,

 

[ConstantineTG]

Interesting. That doesn’t happen in the Divine Liturgy? I know about the kneeling part, so I guess I am asking more about the time for prayer and reflection part.

I would really miss that aspect of the Mass if it were not there.

If it is a good Eastern Church, then there shouldn’t be. There should be constant singing during Communion of Communion Hymns. Liturgies are prayers of the people. To take your own personal time for personal prayer is contrary to joining together with the angels and the saints and all present.

 

[jwinch2]

If it is a good Eastern Church, then there shouldn’t be. There should be constant singing during Communion of Communion Hymns. Liturgies are prayers of the people. To take your own personal time for personal prayer is contrary to joining together with the angels and the saints and all present.

Thanks for the follow-up on that.

Peace,

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

If it is a good Eastern Church, then there shouldn’t be. There should be constant singing during Communion of Communion Hymns. Liturgies are prayers of the people. To take your own personal time for personal prayer is contrary to joining together with the angels and the saints and all present.

This is the time that I take for personal reflection and prayer. I make the hymn my own.

I guess I never thought about it.

I do like the silence in the Latin Rite when I can get it, which outside of my priory is not often.

I never thought about what we are actually doing in the Divine Liturgy as it just feels natural.

Where I attend the Divine Liturgy we also do the prayers after communion after the Liturgy.

 

[ConstantineTG]

This is the time that I take for personal reflection and prayer. I make the hymn my own.

I guess I never thought about it.

I do like the silence in the Latin Rite when I can get it, which outside of my priory is not often.

I never thought about what we are actually doing in the Divine Liturgy as it just feels natural.

Where I attend the Divine Liturgy we also do the prayers after communion after the Liturgy.

I do my personal prayers after the Liturgy. Usually personal prayers of thanks and asking for blessings for everyone.

 

[ConstantineTG]

I am jealous of the huge school system they have and post-Communion silence.

But that is counter to the theology of communion. When we receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, we are bound to him in communion and with all else who does, that is why we do not go of praying our own prayer but pray what everyone prays, like the saints in Revelation. After receiving Communion that is when we are closest to the Communion of Saints. If we are thinking is ourselves, then its kind of antithetical to the spiritual reality that is ongoing.

 

[smad0142]

But that is counter to the theology of communion. When we receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, we are bound to him in communion and with all else who does, that is why we do not go of praying our own prayer but pray what everyone prays, like the saints in Revelation. After receiving Communion that is when we are closest to the Communion of Saints. If we are thinking is ourselves, then its kind of antithetical to the spiritual reality that is ongoing.

I am not denying the theological reality that is expressed through the Divine Liturgy. But as we should know as Easterners there are many different yet valid theological articulations for any one subject. We can express our unity in the Communion of Saints through common litrugical hymns, or we can bring our private prayers to the Communion of Saints at this time because it is the time we are most close to them. Both are valid approaches, and when it comes to this particular instance I enjoy the silence. I also grew up with it in the parochial school system, which is I am sure part of my preference for it.

 

[jwinch2]

Thanks to whoever split this off of the other thread.

Peace,

 

[Nine_Two]

In theory the time for reflection is when you’re doing your prayers in preparation for Communion - alone, at home.

If you really need the church building, you can do it prior to the service during the Hours.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

I do not recall the communion hymn as sung by the congregation as lasting for the whole of communion.

IIRC the places I have been to do have a little silence.

As for prayer at home.

You mean we have to prepare more than just the Eucharistic Fast?

 

[ConstantineTG]

I do not recall the communion hymn as sung by the congregation as lasting for the whole of communion.

IIRC the places I have been to do have a little silence.

When we have people who can do more than one hymn, we’d go a few hymns, depending on the number of people. Until the priest signals he’s ready to say the prayers after Communion.

As for prayer at home.

You mean we have to prepare more than just the Eucharistic Fast?

Yes, we do. At least in the traditional sense. I have the prayers with me but admittedly I haven’t adhered to it. If you don’t do it at home, you need to be in church about 15-20 minutes before Liturgy to do the prayers before Liturgy.

 

[ConstantineTG]

By the way, when I went for Vespers at the OCA parish they had this “Prayers to the Theotokos” at the end of Vespers. The priest literally pulls out a pen and pad from underneath his vestments and jots down prayer requests as people in the congregation say out loud what they want to pray for. When all is said and done, everyone prays for everyone else’s petitions.

I think this is such a wonderful tradition. Not only do you get to raise your own petitions but everyone is away of what they are praying for and you all together pray for one another.

 

[Nine_Two]

By the way, when I went for Vespers at the OCA parish they had this “Prayers to the Theotokos” at the end of Vespers. The priest literally pulls out a pen and pad from underneath his vestments and jots down prayer requests as people in the congregation say out loud what they want to pray for. When all is said and done, everyone prays for everyone else’s petitions.

I think this is such a wonderful tradition. Not only do you get to raise your own petitions but everyone is away of what they are praying for and you all together pray for one another.

Sounds like a local tradition, although I agree that it sounds like quite a good one.

 

[TrueLight]

By the way, when I went for Vespers at the OCA parish they had this “Prayers to the Theotokos” at the end of Vespers. The priest literally pulls out a pen and pad from underneath his vestments and jots down prayer requests as people in the congregation say out loud what they want to pray for. When all is said and done, everyone prays for everyone else’s petitions.

I think this is such a wonderful tradition. Not only do you get to raise your own petitions but everyone is away of what they are praying for and you all together pray for one another.

Sounds like how “prayers of the people” are done at some parishes.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Sounds like a local tradition, although I agree that it sounds like quite a good one.

I should ask Father where that comes from next time we have a chat.

Sounds like how “prayers of the people” are done at some parishes.

You mean the Litany at Mass? Yes, and unfortunate development. But this shows how it can be done right. I wanted to ask for a petition but shyness prevailed.

 

[jwinch2]

A discussion in another thread reminded me of this one so I thought I would share a post on the subject here related to silence in the Roman Rite during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Regarding the Roman Church, either the OF of the Mass or the EF of the Mass are to have moments of silence built into them. However, will keep this to the OF.

From the General Instruction on the Roman Missal:

“Sacred silence also, as part of the celebration, is to be observed at the designated times,”

From the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy:

“ at proper times all should observe reverent silence.”

Based on the texts, we can see that there are some distinct times in the Mass where we are to experience silence:

1. 
   *]The period of recollection provided in the penitential rite
   *]The time provided for personal prayer after the invitation “let us Pray”
   *]A pause at the conclusion of the Sunday readings or homily
   *]after communion which is a most intimate time with Jesus.
   
   There are also other times where sacred silence is the be held:
   

   This silence should be sought while listening to the readings, the homily, or the proclamation of the Eucharistic and other priestly prayers.

   This also includes before Mass.
   

   “Even before the celebration itself, it is commendable that silence to be observed in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred action in a devout and fitting manner.”

   These silences are not to be regarded as taking away from the communal aspect of the Mass. Instead, they are in fact, part of that communal aspect.
   

   This helps quiet our imagination, our worries and our toils so as to join our hearts to the prayers and be fully attentive to whatever the Holy Spirit should inspire in us. Thus silence at Mass is an active, not a passive disposition.

   This form of interior silence does not impede, and indeed favors, full and active participation in those parts of the celebration where the community is united in acclamation and song, for each person is more fully aware of what he or she is doing.

   Pope Benedict has also written extensively on the liturgy through his time as a Cardinal and since becoming Pope:
   

   We are realizing more and more clearly that silence is part of the liturgy. We respond, by singing and praying, to the God who addresses us, but the greater mystery, surpassing all words, summons us to silence. It must, of course, be a silence with content, not just the absence of speech and action. We should expect the liturgy to give us a positive stillness that will restore us. Such stillness will not be just a pause, in which a thousand thoughts and desires assault us, but a time of recollection, giving us an inward peace, allowing us to draw breath and rediscover the one thing necessary, which we have forgotten. That is why silence cannot be simply “made”, organized as if it were one activity among many. It is no accident that on all sides people are seeking techniques of meditation, a spirituality for emptying the mind. One of man’s deepest needs is making its presence felt, a need that is manifestly not being met in our present form of the liturgy. For silence to be fruitful, as we have already said, it must not be just a pause in the action of the liturgy. No, it must be an integral part of the liturgical event.

   Blessed John Paul II did as well:
   

   Active participation certainly means that, in gesture, word, song and service, all the members of the community take part in an act of worship, which is anything but inert or passive. Yet active participation does not preclude the active passivity of silence, stillness and listening: indeed, it demands it. Worshipers are not passive, for instance, when listening to the readings or the homily, or following the prayers of the celebrant, and the chants and music of the liturgy. These are experiences of silence and stillness, but they are in their own way profoundly active

   Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments:
   

   We also show our adoration and reverence towards the Holy Eucharist by silence in church, by becoming dress and postures at sacred celebrations, by joining other people in singing, giving responses, and gestures such as sitting, kneeling or standing, and by general care over whatever has to do with Eucharistic worship such as reading, discipline in church and tidiness in altar and sacristy equipment.

   May I say a further word on the importance of silence in our churches and chapels. Movements of silence help us to prepare for the celebration of Mass. During Mass, a few minutes of silence help us to meditate on the lessons, the Gospel and the homily just heard. Silence after receiving Jesus Holy Communion is a time for personal prayer to Our Lord. At the end of Mass and at all other times in church, silence is a mark of reverence for God’s house and especially for Jesus present in the tabernacle.

   Some church rectors have the habit of playing recorded soft music as a background in churches almost the whole day outside Mass. This is doubtless well-intentioned.

   But it is a mistake. People enter churches to pray, not to be entertained. They are not tourists in a museum or music hall. They need silence in order to concentrate on the tabernacle, or even to reflect on the statues, sacred images which are ongoing catechesis, and the figures of the Way of the Cross.

   Thanks to the Eastern Catholic and others who have contributed to this thread. It has turned into an interesting side discussion since being split off from the other one.
   
   Peace of Christ,

 

[ConstantineTG]

A discussion in another thread reminded me of this one so I thought I would share a post on the subject here related to silence in the Roman Rite during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Regarding the Roman Church, either the OF of the Mass or the EF of the Mass are to have moments of silence built into them. However, will keep this to the OF.

From the General Instruction on the Roman Missal:

From the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy:

Based on the texts, we can see that there are some distinct times in the Mass where we are to experience silence:

1. 
   *]The period of recollection provided in the penitential rite
   *]The time provided for personal prayer after the invitation “let us Pray”
   *]A pause at the conclusion of the Sunday readings or homily
   *]after communion which is a most intimate time with Jesus.
   
   There are also other times where sacred silence is the be held:
   
   This also includes before Mass.
   
   These silences are not to be regarded as taking away from the communal aspect of the Mass. Instead, they are in fact, part of that communal aspect.
   
   Pope Benedict has also written extensively on the liturgy through his time as a Cardinal and since becoming Pope:
   
   Blessed John Paul II did as well:
   
   Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments:
   
   Thanks to the Eastern Catholic and others who have contributed to this thread. It has turned into an interesting side discussion since being split off from the other one.
   
   Peace of Christ,

1. 
   The objective is the same (unity in prayer and unity with God) but for our praxis that is achieved by constant prayer. This means no quite time for one to his own reflection. This also extends to the theology of the Liturgy, that is the Liturgy is a gathering of the people, coming together as one body. Thus the constant praying and singing is getting us all to be doing the same thing and focused on the same thing, that is prayer to God. To veer off into your own personal reflection time is contrary to the purpose of Liturgy by our praxis. On of St. Luke’s favorite words in Acts is “homothumadon”, meaning “one mind”. The Liturgy is meant to make the gathered into one mind. As we enter the Kingdom of Heaven as a communion of believers, we should be “vibrating at the same frequency” so to speak. Not only with our immediate community but with all other communities as well, praying unceasingly the same prayers and performing the same actions throughout the Liturgy.

 

[theistgal]

The homily can be a good time for a meditation break, especially if the priest has a very soft, soothing voice.