Those sisters who are working at a great distance and cannot get to the oratory at the proper time -- the Abbess judging that such is the case -- shall perform the Work of God in the place where they are working, bending their knees in reverence before God. Likewise those who have been sent on a journey shall not let the appointed Hours pass by, but shall say the Office by themselves as well as they can and not neglect to render the task of their service.

Years ago on a train from Algeciras to Madrid, I observed an older Muslim couple grow increasingly agitated.

It was the time appointed for prayer. But their compass would not work. The electro-magnetic charge that powered the train interfered. They could not find sure East.

There were eight of us in the couchette - sleeping compartment - I expect most, if not all, of the other six were North African Muslims as well.

But only the couple knelt to pray, finally settling on the most convenient space in the already crowded space.

It is not so hard to make time for God, yet we very seldom seek God's rhythms - preferring our own stumbles to the divine dance.