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Page 2 of 2 Charismatic expression. Praying the Daily Office does not in any way mean that we must be inflexibly book bound. Having the Bible and the Prayer Book as our foundations does not in any way imply that we are, or must be, stuck in liturgical cement. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is [abundant] liberty." Often, almost daily, I open myself for the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues through me. This allows God to speak His will in a way that I cannot know, and may not understand. I do not know it all. My mind cannot in any way comprehend the complete plan of God. In fact, I barely understand a fraction of it. However, the Holy Spirit knows what must be prayed. Consequently, periodically throughout my prayers, I allow the Holy Spirit to pray through this spiritual gift. There are, no doubt, some people who are uncomfortable with this form of charismatic expression. This is okay. Not all enjoy this gift. However, every one of us should and must allow the Holy Spirit to express the unique charism that God has bestowed upon them.
Theological expansion. One of the cornerstones of the Daily Office is the recitation of the prayer that Jesus taught us "The Lord's Prayer" is noted for its profundity and simplicity. It is my personal opinion that, when prayed well, prayed thoroughly, this prayer contains every prayer that God intends, the human heart desires, and the world ultimately needs. During my time praying this prayer I often take time to individualize each petition. When I pray (as but one example), "Our Father," I ask and answer the unanswered question: who are those for whom the "Our" is intended? As a corporate statement, I look for those persons over whom the "Our" of the petition has jurisdiction, and over which God has given me authority. The application of the word, "Our," has profound implications about the hallowing of God's name, His coming kingdom, the distribution of "daily bread," forgiveness and deliverance. When praying the Prayer Book, take time to pray thoroughly. Stop along the path of prayer to theologically expand upon what is written.
Singing. I don't like to sing. Never have, never will. But, in spite of my resistance, I cannot help but sing the old Wesleyan classics or some of the old hymns such as, "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow." Moreover, God may appreciate our singing, our raising of our voices in worship. Although the Daily Office may not tell us to sing, there is nothing preventing us from doing so. In fact, it may spice-up our prayer life and glorify God.
Study. Finally, take time to study. Each day of the year there are daily readings within the Daily Office. Don't just read the assigned texts, study them, meditate upon them. "Read, Reflect, Inwardly digest."
There are no doubt many other ways by which we can make our prayer life come alive. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well as through the instruction of your spiritual director or priest, open yourself to be guided by God during your Office. Don't let your Daily Office become a "daily grind."
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