By daily participation in Jesus’ Eternal Sacrifice, which is the summit of a Carmelite’s daily path, she places herself on the altar with Him, joyfully surrendering to His Love all her gifts of heart, will, mind and hands.

In response to Christ’s invitation to the Wedding Banquet, the Carmelite gathers into her heart the poor (in supernatural life), the crippled (by worldly values or anxiety), the blind (in darkness of unbelief), so that His house may be filled … When the Bridegroom comes in Holy Communion, He finds there all she invited and feeds them and her His healing, strengthening grace.

The praise, thanksgiving and joy of union celebrated at Holy Mass is continued by the Community chanting the Liturgy of the Hours.

“By tradition going back to early Christian times, the Divine Office is arranged so that the whole course of the day and night is made holy by the praises of God … It is the very prayer which Christ Himself together with His Body, addresses to the Father.

All who perform this service are not only fulfilling a duty of the Church, but also are sharing in the greatest honor accorded to Christ’s spouse, for by offering these praises to God they are standing before God’s Throne in the name of the Church, their Mother. (Constitution on the Liturgy 84/85)

A Carmelite’s entire day is steeped in prayer. Through prayer she is

• a creature in adoration before her Creator
• a lamb learning more about the Good Shepherd: “I know mine and mine know Me.” (Jn. 14:6)
• a grateful child content in her Heavenly Father’s Providence
• a bride enamored of her Divine Bridegroom Who gave His very blood to win her
• a pilgrim consulting Him who is the Way (Jn. 14:6)
• a blind one looking at the Light of the World (Jn. 8:12)
• a living temple, delighting in the Presence of her indwelling God (Jn. 14:23)
• a laborer, hearing the words: “Come to Me all you who are heavy laden.” (Mt. 11:28)
• a volunteer being fitted for battle: “Put on the armor of God.” (Eph. 6:11)

A life of prayer is in all ways an opening of one’s heart to Christ. He takes as much as one gives.