Chapter 11: Vigils or night office on Sunday

In these Vigils the arrangement should be that six psalms and a verse should be chanted, as described above, and then, when everyone has sat down in an orderly way on the benches, four lessons should be read from the book on the lectern with their responsories. (From Ch. 11 of Saint Benedict's Rule, trans. by Patrick Barry, OSB, 1997.)

I'm touched by St Benedict's observation that there should be a pause until every has sat down in an orderly way on the benches. He also observes twice at other points that all should rise as a sign of profound reverence. Benedict takes the trouble to consider the body at prayer, its orderliness -- being "gathered" as an individual and within the community, and the power of posture to produce praise. This "gathering" means much to me as I sit to meditate, as I prepare my body to find integration in my heart. And, also, in ending meditation with a deep bow, putting my head below my heart -- to teach me reverence and right order.