Q&A: When preying the short form of Consecration : ’I am all thine. . . . etc.” during the day must the lips be moved?
Father Roger Charest, SMM
Question submitted by a member from Brooklyn, NY
No . . . it is not necessary. Prayer is the raising of one’s mind to God. This can be done effectively with or without the spoken word. Many a fervent prayer has been said in crowded subways or trains without the tell-tale sign of moving lips.
In many ways the Church encourages her children to pray without ceasing, everywhere. The indulgences she has attached to prayers may be gained even if the lips do not move.
When someone repeats the formula of his consecration without moving his lips, he is expressing an act of his will to serve, to be dependent upon the Blessed Virgin. An act of the will need not be made with words. And if words are used, as in this consecration, they need not be expressed vocally.
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