Habit of Prayer

Brother Ryan-Joseph talks about the pieces of the Carmelite habit and the prayer associated with each.

hab·it /habət/ n. a long, loose garment worn by a member of a religious order or congregation.  From the Latin, habere, “to consist of” or “state of being.”  

Prayer while putting on the Tunic

Clothe me, O Lord, with the New Man who is created according to God in justice and holiness of truth. 

Prayer while putting on the Belt

Gird me, O Lord, with the girdle of purity and extinguish in my veins the passions of lust that the virtues of continence and chastity remain within me.

Prayer while putting on the Scapular

O Lord, who has said, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light;” grant that I may carry it in such a manner so as to obtain thy grace. 

Prayer while putting on the Capuche (hood)

Enclose my head, O Lord, in the helmet of salvation, so that I may overcome the attacks of the devil.  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.