This kind of vocal prayer is commonly most profitable for every man in the beginning of his conversion, as being then but rude and gross and carnal (unless he have the more grace) nor cannot think of spiritual thoughts in his meditations, for his soul is not yet cleansed from his old sins. And therefore I hope it is most speedful to use this manner of prayer, as to say his Pater Noster and his Ave, and to read upon his psalter and such other. For he that cannot run easily and lightly by spiritual prayer, his feet of knowledge and love being feeble and sick by reason of sin, hath need of a firm staff to hold by, which staff is set forms of vocal prayer ordained by God and holy Church for the help of men’s souls. By which the soul of a fleshly man that is alway falling downward into worldly thoughts and sensual affections shall be lifted up above them, and holden up as by a staff, and fed with the sweet words of those prayers as a child with milk, and guided and held up by them that he fall not into errors or fancies through his vain imaginations; for that in this manner of prayer is no deceit nor error to him that will diligently and humbly exercise himself therein. (John Climacus)

In January I purchased a small book of devotions for each day of the week. Brief readings were provided for morning, noon, evening and compline.

The prayers, scripture, and more would seldom take more than three minutes to read aloud, less to read silently. The noon-time passage was especially short.

I was amazed at how easy it was to neglect - entirely forget - the noon and evening meditations.

For three weeks I erratically attempted to pause four times a day to briefly and mindfully acknowledge my relationship with God.

It was like a fat man's first few visits to the gym... awkward and embarrassing.

The image is of St. Hieronymus at Prayer by Bosch.