Saint Dominic had an extraordinary dedication to a life of prayer. The men who joined Dominic as preachers of the truth, who walked the roads with him and who observed his lifestyle would later testify to his commitment to praying with them and to spending long hours alone in prayer.

Gathering together to celebrate the Eucharist and to pray the divine office are at the center of Dominican life. Praying together is the primary source of strength and nourishment for the Dominican friar's apostolate and ministry. Prayer in the Dominican tradition is about intimately knowing the person of Jesus Christ - the compassionate, forgiving Son of God . Dominican spirituality is grounded in the joy of the resurrection which celebrates the presence of the living God among usand it recognizes the place Mary, the mother of Jesus , in the life of the Church.

Domincan prayer requires from each individual and from the community an appreciation of silence in order to create an atmosphere of listening and of contemplation. Within this environment the Holy Spirit has the opportunity to breathe new minds and energy into the hearts and minds of the friars preparing to share the fruits of their prayer with others.

St. Dominic drew immense courage, hope and motivation from the Scriptures especially from the gospel of St. Matthew and the Letters of St. Paul. The friars who continue to follow in Dominic's footsteps are challenged by his example to steep themselves in a prayerful meditation on the living word of God.

Dominicans through their Daily Commitment to prayer in common and in private respond to theeir 800 call to praise, to bless and to preach.

[Text adapted from The Dominicans, published by the Irish Dominican Province]