A Morning Prayer

I love the early morning hours. Usually, I arise at 5 a.m. But with a 6:30 a.m. appointment today, I had to be out of the comfy zone by 4:30 a.m.! I knew I would miss community Lauds at 7 a.m., so I was pleasantly surprised when my appointment ended at 7:35 a.m., the very time my community at home would be leaving Chapel for breakfast. So, with a bit of time on my hands, I felt free to go where the Spirit led me. I was brought to a sign on a wall outside a small, recessed room at the Central Care Unit which read, “Prayer Room: Just BE, REST, THINK, PRAY.” Wanting to accept every element of that beguiling invitation, I entered the room. No one was there and, when I closed the door, every sound was blocked out; I felt as if the room enclosed and enfolded me protectively. Some of the eight or 10 chairs faced east—into the sun. And what a glorious sun it was! It shone brilliantly through the large bay window, making the colored glass circles within it shimmer like jewels. The effect was stunning—even mesmerizing! Subtle designs of hills and mountains shone throughout the glass as well. Allowing myself to be mesmerized, I felt myself part of the beauty and grace of the moment. Moreover, I was pleased that my Benedictine community had donated the attractive fountain in front of the bright, colorful window; the fountain’s gently bubbling waters were baptismal for me! Could it be any better? I wondered. I felt pasted to the chair and could not move!

“All that was your Father’s kiss for the day,” suggested a friend. And so, it was. I knew it, too!

Early morning hours hold promise, don’t they? This day’s beginning gave me so much more than I expected, but then moments of grace often do.

 Renee Domeier, OSB

Photo: Sunshine through the windows of Sacred Heart Chapel prior to renovation. From the Monastery Archives.