We go to meet the sunrise -- before the sunrise; one may go earlier, at 4:00 or 5:00 a.m.,
and meditate and pray in silence. These are the most powerful hours for prayer and
meditation. Some of the early disciples would go very early to the peak of prayer
and pray and meditate in silence.
It is beautiful when a violinist awakens the group by playing a song early in the morning
(STANI, STANI or RENEN CHEZ), thirty to forty-five minutes before sunrise.
Everyone goes to the peak of prayer in silence and sits or stands there facing east, in
silence. No one talks. When the sun is visibly rising, all people stand up and
greet the risen sun by raising their right hand. It is very important to concentrate
oneself and to be awake (alert) to see the first ray of sunlight. We wait for the
entire sun to be visible, and then we begin the prayers. If it is misty or cloudy and
we see that we are not going to be able to see the sunrise, then we begin the prayers at the
time at which the sunrise is determined to be in that location.
One person has been chosen to guide the prayer. This person guides the prayer the whole
day. This person has to be spiritual and it is good for them to pray for Divine guidance
in how to lead the prayer. Everyone may learn to lead the prayers; however, it takes time to
learn how to do this and to pray for guidance.
Usually we begin the prayers with a spiritual song, such as MAHAR BENU ABA,
DUHAT BOZHI, IZGRYAVA SLUNSETO, or one of the Vataan songs -- one of
the most profound songs.
Then a prayer, for example THE GOOD PRAYER, or one of the profound prayers such
as PRAYER OF THE KINGDOM, PATH OF LIFE, BROTHERHOOD, FRUITS OF
THE SPIRIT, TRIUNE GOD (TRINITY), SMALL PRAYER, often followed by
silent prayer.
Then some formulas and perhaps some Psalms, such as 91, 23, etc.
One may include more songs -- three or four, or five. There is no rule about how
many songs, prayers, and formulas. This depends on the person who is guidng the
prayers and the guidance they receive. Usually we begin with song, yet this is not
obligatory. One may begin with prayer.
When we have said some prayers, the person leading reads a lecture of the Master.
If in the lecture there is a reference to a Bible verse, we read this and then
begin the lecture. When the lecture is finished, the person guiding us leads in the
singing of a song. Then usually we say THE LORD'S PRAYER. (This prayer
is usually said toward the end of the prayers.) Usually the prayers conclude with
the Formula of the Brotherhood: "May God be glorified in the White Brotherhood
and the white brothers be glorified in the Love of God." (x3) |
We would gather in the morning, usually after the Morning
Prayer
or after breakfast; however, not later than 10:00 a.m., to do the Six Exercises and then immediately
begin the Paneurhythmy. (There were no special prayers before it.) In the
mountains, the distance could be far, so the time would vary. We must be flexible.
After the Paneurhythmy, we would sing several songs, usually about three songs.
These were joyful songs -- Svetul Den, Svetel Luch, and others. Sometimes
we would sing a profound and beautiful hymn, such as the HYMN OF THE GREAT SOULS.
The selection of songs is determined by the day and the musicians.
On Sundays, we would read one more lecture at 10:00 a.m.
If someone had a special gathering or meeting (not at sunrise), and they would like to read a lecture,
they may follow the order as for the morning prayer .
One may
read a full lecture; or, for certain groups, one may read an excerpt, or share a reading from
the SACRED WORDS.
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