I don’t know a thing about being married. Other than observing a bunch of marriages as an outsider, I have no insider experience on being married. Others tell me, though--and it makes sense--that there are certain practices that make for a stronger marriage. There are many of them, and I’m guessing different practices work for different couples. One thing I notice among couples I admire is I often hear them say, “I love you.” They don’t say it in a mushy, overly dramatic way, but among couples I respect I often hear them make a practice of saying to one another, “I love you.”

In chapter 15 of the Rule of St. Benedict, there are prescriptions for when to say “Alleluia.” At certain times and during certain seasons it’s to be said. For those used to worship with spontaneity, having a routine for when to say Alleluia probably seems cold. I appreciate, though, the intentionality of the rule. A relationship with God is encouraged because words of praise are encouraged. Praise is built into the rhythm of the days and seasons because they have a practice of conscientiously saying, again and again, Alleluia.