The Freedom of Obedience

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, you led St. Benedict to seek you through prayer, work, obedience, and life in community. Through his intercession, give me a listening heart and bring holy order to my days. Keep me faithful in small duties, peaceful with others, generous to the stranger, and steady on the way that leads to life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.

For Benedict, obedience is a prompt response of love shaped by Christ, not blind submission to wrongdoing. It listens for God's will through Scripture, legitimate responsibility, and wise discernment. True obedience frees us from the exhausting demand that our preference must always prevail over love.

Obedient Jesus, free me from stubborn self-will and from fear disguised as compliance. Give me discernment, courage, and a prompt heart for what is truly good. Through St. Benedict's intercession, teach me the freedom of loving obedience each day. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Benedict, wise teacher of those who seek God, carry my intention before the Lord. Pray that the holy Cross may guide and protect me, that peace may govern my relationships, and that prayer and work may become one faithful offering. Help me begin again each day and persevere with Christ to the end. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.