Praying the Magnificat with monks can be a jarring experience.

Most parish communities pray at a pace more in line with an auctioneer—quick and efficient. But the monastic rhythm savors silence. An occasional gust of wind rattles the big wooden doors. An elderly monk may let out a sneeze. Otherwise the church goes quiet.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
(pause)
my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior.
(pause)

On we go, slow and steady.

In those pauses, the gathered community faces the magnitude of what we just proclaimed—and the daunting task of bringing this summons from words on a page into actions in the world. Our integrity is on the line in the stillness. What will you do? Who will you be? How will your life change because of this prayer?