As part of our journey through Lent, we have been discussing the space between the chanted psalms within the Divine Office. That space — that silence — is meant for meditation and prayer on what has just been chanted and perhaps, what is yet to come.

 

I have  discovered I like my noises. I am not a great one for uncontrolled spaces of silence. The space between the psalms is comparatively long, and though it is less than a minute, it still seemed to me that my mind covered at least six subjects during that space. So, here is the learning point for me: Taking that same peace and engagement with God while chanting into the space of meditation. In a real sense, I am working to elongate the chant through silence while praying and meditating.