Stained Glass Scapulars-Reflections on the Secular Carmelite Rule

Faithful to Our Lord's invitation and to his example of praying without ceasing, and also to the Carmelite Rule's central command to "meditate on God's law day and night and to watch in prayer," the Secular Carmelite will prefer before all else to remain in the presence of God, continually fulfilling His holy will.

They will therefore make it their constant care to foster a spirit of prayer, and to practice prayer itself for at least a half hour each day, in an atmosphere of interior silence and solitude.(Article #4)

Many people are drawn to Carmelite spirituality because of the charism of the Order: the gift of quiet prayer.

As Secular Carmelites, we are called to pray on behalf of the church. We are asked to remain with Our Lord for a minimum of 1/2 hour each day in mental prayer. The Order even allows members to break up this period into two periods of fifteen minutes of prayer each day.

As Secular Carmelites we can examine our conscience and ask ourselves, "Am I faithful to the Rule of Life in regards to prayer? Do I spend 1/2 hour of day in silent prayer? Do I try to foster a spirit of continual prayer throughout the day, so that at the time of prayer my heart is ready to receive the Lord and hear his word?

Is my prayer time filled with spiritual reading and vocal prayer? While these prayers are excellent, Carmelites are asked to "step out into the deep" when it comes to prayer. St. Teresa of Jesus tells us that many well-intentioned people never make it into the front door of the (interior) castle. If our lives are filled with material desires and attractions and distractions we will never be able to enter into that interior mansion and have an intimate relationship with the Holy Trinity. As our Holy Mother says, prayer and self-indulgence do not go together.

Let us ask ourselves if we truly desire to spend time in quiet prayer. The Order asks a minimum of 1/2 hour each day. Do we desire to do just the minimum? We cannot be saints by halves as St. Therese states. She wanted to give God her all.

Let us challenge ourselves to turn off the television, the computer, or any other distraction and spend time with the one whom we know loves us-Jesus, our Beloved.

Let us pray for each other.

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie,OCDS
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