I thought this year I'd be able to keep a monastic prayer schedule, roughly following the traditional Liturgy of the Hours: Office of Readings at dawn followed by Morning Prayer before work, then Evening Prayer after work, and Compline at bedtime, because the family would be out of the house before 6am and return home well past dinner. Things haven't worked out that way, and I have the blessing of my family much more than I anticipated. So where then is the cloister?
My "Office of Readings" at dawn includes checking the weather, brushing and braiding someone's hair, listening to the anticipations of the day's classes. Morning Prayer is a fervent "Thank you Lord!" for the blessing of having such moments, and thoughts of praise for the beauty of the world as I walk to the train during the sunrise.
Evening Prayer comes as I leave work, walking from the office across the wide lawns to the street and up to the train station, and continues as I walk to the house as the sun sets. Life's rythm picks up speed as I walk in the door, change from my work clothes and start preparing dinner. When everyone arrives home I hear reports of the day's activities, almost a collective Examination of Consciouse, and we have dinner together before spreading out through the house for homework.
I do read Compline many nights, and try to have us all read it together; after years of saying bedtime prayers with each child it seem appropriate to do something together. So before the first person goes to bed (usually me), we gather together again for Bedtime Prayers, then say good night.
It isn't what I expected, but it certainly is appreciated!
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