Living The Cistercian Charism: A Path Of Simplicity And Grace
Published March 6, 2025
In a noisy and distracted world, the Cistercian charism offers peace. It’s a sanctuary of simplicity, grace, and contemplation. It invites you to open your heart to Christ. This path aligns your life with His presence in a timeless way. It helps you rediscover prayer, steady daily practices, and quiet humility—values often forgotten in modern life.
In this article, we’ll explore the essence of living the Cistercian charism, offering insights into its key principles and steps for integrating them into daily life.
The Essence Of The Cistercian Charism
Living the Cistercian charism means creating space in the heart to welcome Christ (capacitas dei). This capacity is not about how often you pray but the depth of your connection. In the Cistercian tradition, prayer goes beyond words. It’s a deliberate act of lifting the heart and mind toward God.
The focus shifts from external practices to the inner transformation they create. Contemplative living is at the center of this charism. It emphasizes stillness and reflection as ways to encounter Christ more deeply. This approach moves beyond routines. It helps uncover the divine presence within everyday life.
Daily Practices In The Cistercian Tradition
Consistency lies at the heart of the Cistercian spiritual practice. Building daily habits of prayer and intention nurtures both discipline and spiritual growth.
Inspired by the Lay Cistercian tradition, here’s a suggested set of daily prayer intentions for each day of the week:
- Monday. Offer prayers of reparation. It can be for your sins, the sins of the Church, and those on your personal prayer list.
- Tuesday. Lift prayers for family, friends, and all who have shaped and influenced your journey.
- Wednesday. Reflect on and honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and St. Joseph.
- Thursday. Pray for Lay Cistercians, monks, priests, and all those called to religious vocations.
- Friday. Seek the grace to love God wholeheartedly and extend that love to your neighbor.
- Saturday. Remember and pray for the souls of the faithful departed, and ask for an increase in faith.
- Sunday. Dedicate the day to praising and glorifying God through the Holy Trinity.
These practices are not about perfection. They focus on building a consistent and sincere connection with God.
The Central Role Of Prayer
In the Cistercian tradition, prayer is described as “lifting the heart and mind to God.” This sacred practice takes many forms. It includes communal prayers like the Office of Readings, Morning, and Evening Prayer. It also involves personal acts of reparation, gratitude, and praise.
Monastic prayer is intentionally slow and deliberate, fostering an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. It invites the soul to pause, rest, and dwell in the presence of God. This approach makes prayer a profound act of connection. It combines individual spirituality with the broader community of the universal Church.
The Rule Of St. Benedict
The Rule of St. Benedict functions as a timeless spiritual guide. It shapes monastic life and inspires lay people. Many turn to it to embrace the Cistercian charism. Its teachings provide a foundation for living with discipline, purpose, and devotion.
Key chapters include:
- Chapter 4. Tools for Good Works. Practical wisdom for cultivating Christian virtues in everyday life.
- Chapters 5 and 7. Obedience and Humility. A call to embrace obedience as a path to humility and alignment with God’s will.
- Chapter 19. The Discipline of Psalmody. A reminder of the sacredness and reverence inherent in vocal prayer.
- Chapter 20. Reverence in Prayer. A reflection on the holiness of prayer as a profound form of communion with God.
These principles can help anyone bring structure and discipline to daily life. They add sacred intention to routines, enriching both spiritual and practical aspects.
The Practice Of Lectio Divina
Cistercian spirituality centers on Lectio Divina, or “divine reading.” This ancient practice is a contemplative way to engage with Scripture. It invites prayerful and reflective immersion in God’s Word. The practice unfolds in four (sometimes five) simple steps.
- Lectio (reading). Read the Scripture slowly and attentively, allowing its words to take root in your heart.
- Meditatio (meditation). Reflect deeply on the passage, considering its meaning and how it speaks to your life.
- Oratio (prayer). Respond to the insights with sincere prayer, sharing your emotions, intentions, and desires with God.
- Contemplatio (contemplation). Rest quietly in God’s presence, simply being with Him and savoring the connection.
- (Optional) Actio (action). Commit to applying the wisdom or insights gained in practical, everyday ways.
Regular practice of Lectio Divina transforms one’s spiritual journey, deepens one’s relationship with Christ, and fills one’s daily life with divine inspiration.
The Transformative Power Of Simplicity
Simplicity is central to the Cistercian way of life. It goes beyond material things, including prayer, thoughts, and daily habits. Removing unnecessary complexities frees the mind and heart to focus on Christ. Simple routines like daily Scripture reading or set prayer times create a steady rhythm, this opens the soul to receive grace.
Small acts, like dedicating mundane tasks to God, can foster profound spiritual growth. Start each morning by offering your day’s activities with intention. This simple act can elevate ordinary moments and add deeper spiritual meaning to your day.
Grace In Everyday Life
The Cistercian charism is not about perfection. It’s about living intentionally despite human imperfections. Struggles and failures are not obstacles. They’re essential to the spiritual journey. They teach humility and deepen reliance on God.
Living with grace means transforming the ordinary into something sacred. It’s found in small, meaningful acts such as pausing to express gratitude, offering kindness, or taking a quiet moment in a busy day to pray. Pursuing simplicity and grace is a lifelong journey. Every action, no matter how small, carries deep spiritual meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “living the Cistercian charism” truly mean?
It means living simply and gracefully, engaging in contemplative prayer, and aligning one’s actions and thoughts with Christ daily.
Can lay people live the Cistercian charism?
Yes. The Rule of St. Benedict makes this spiritual path accessible to everyone. Key practices include daily prayer and Lectio Divina.
What are the benefits of following this spiritual way of life?
It nurtures inner peace, deepens your relationship with God, and brings a sense of spiritual purpose to everyday life.
Is perfection required to follow Cistercian principles?
Not at all. The emphasis is on sincere intention and effort, leaving room for growth and the grace to flourish even amidst imperfection.
Embracing The Cistercian Way: A Life Of Grace And Simplicity
Living the Cistercian charism is a spiritual journey centered on simplicity, prayer, and a constant turning toward God. Embracing this way of life means adopting daily practices, reflecting on Scripture, and pursuing contemplative prayer. These practices create space for Christ in the heart. The beauty of living the Cistercian charism lies in its accessibility and its ability to transform not just the soul but also the seemingly ordinary moments of daily life.
Seek a Deeper Connection with God and Join Lay Cistercians of South Florida
Lay Cistercians of South Florida, is a community of lay people who seeks to have a deeper connection with God by living a life inspired by the monks and nuns through Lay Monasticism. Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercian on our website. Anyone who aspires to do the same as us, and is a confirmed Catholic is welcome to join us! We meet every second Saturday of the month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida.
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About The Author
Hello there! I’m Corinne Grace. I believe in the power of storytelling to connect and educate, which is why I strive to bring each article to life with clarity and purpose. It’s not just about what’s written, it’s about making an impact on the reader.
