The Discipline of Psalmody

We believe that the divine presence is everywhere and that in every place the eyes of the Lord are watching the good and the wicked (Prov 15: 3). But beyond the least doubt we should believe this to be especially true when we celebrate the divine office.

We must always remember, therefore, what the Prophet says: Serve the Lord with fear (Ps 2: 11), and again, Sing praise wisely (Ps 47: 8); and In the presence of the angels I will sing to you (Ps 138: 1). Let us consider, then, how we ought to behave in the presence of God and his angels, and let us stand to sing the psalms in such a way that our minds are in harmony with our voices.

~The Rule of Saint Benedict, 19

~Image – St. Benedict delivering his rule to the monks of his order, Monastery of St. Gilles, Nimes, France, 1129