The Burden of Spontaneity

One of the things I appreciate about following the tradition of praying the daily office is the release from what N.T. Wright calls the "burden of spontaneity." This morning I woke and absolutely did not feel like praying. But I prayed the daily office. Having the form helped me be faithful to what God wants me to do. I don't feel any more spiritual now. But that's okay. Office is from the Latin for work. The daily office is the daily work. I did the work God calls me to do. That is good.

By the way, I have been using Celebrating Common Prayer from the Church of England for the daily office. I highly recommend it.