Blog

Introduction

In a world consumed by busyness, distraction, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment, many Christians find themselves searching for a way to live with greater purpose and peace. How can we integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, not just in moments of worship or prayer? How can we find balance between the demands of work and the call to spiritual devotion? Centuries ago, St. Benedict of Nursia laid out a path that addresses these very questions, one that is as relevant today as it was in the 6th century. The Order of St. Benedict, a monastic tradition built around simplicity, discipline, and devotion to God, is grounded in three core mottoes: Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus (“That in all things God may be glorified”), Pax (“peace”), and Ora et labora (“pray and work”).

Though originally intended for monastic communities, these mottoes offer timeless wisdom for Christians seeking to glorify God, cultivate peace, and find balance in a hectic world. In fact, these principles resonate deeply with foundational aspects of Reformed theology, particularly the ideas of soli Deo gloria (to the glory of God alone), Coram Deo (living before the face of God), and the biblical teachings of prayer and vocation. Together, they provide a comprehensive blueprint for living a God-centered life today.

Glorifying God in All Things: Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus

The first and most fundamental of the Benedictine mottoes, Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus—“That in all things God may be glorified”—is more than just a call to personal piety or worship during religious services. It reflects the idea that all of life, from the grandest spiritual acts to the most mundane daily tasks, is an opportunity to honor and glorify God. This holistic vision aligns deeply with the Reformed concept of Coram Deo, which emphasizes that every moment of our lives is lived in the sight of God, under His authority, and for His glory.

In Reformed theology, the idea of Coram Deo teaches that there is no separation between sacred and secular. Every aspect of life—whether we are working, resting, or worshiping—is lived before the face of God and therefore should be dedicated to glorifying Him. The Apostle Paul captures this beautifully in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This understanding of the Christian life calls us to recognize that we are never off duty in our call to glorify God. Every thought, word, and action is an opportunity to reflect God’s goodness and bring honor to His name.

For modern Christians, this idea is both liberating and challenging. It frees us from the pressure to compartmentalize our spiritual lives from our "ordinary" lives, reminding us that all work, relationships, and activities can be forms of worship. Whether we are sweeping the floor, teaching a class, or leading a business meeting, we can glorify God by doing our work faithfully, with integrity, and with a heart that seeks to honor Him. At the same time, this challenges us to constantly reorient our motivations and actions toward God's purposes, ensuring that we are living not for personal gain or recognition, but for His glory alone.

Peace as the Goal: Pax

The second motto, Pax—meaning “peace”—is the hoped-for reward of a life lived in communion with God. This peace, however, is not merely the absence of conflict or inner calm; it is the deep, abiding peace that comes from being reconciled with God and living in harmony with His will. St. Benedict recognized that true peace is not something that can be achieved through human effort or external circumstances—it is a gift that flows from a life rooted in God’s presence. This understanding of peace echoes the teachings of Augustine and is central to Reformed theology, both of which emphasize that lasting peace is only found in God.

Augustine famously wrote in his Confessions, “You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” This captures the essence of Pax. Human beings, created for communion with God, will always remain restless and unsatisfied until they find their peace in Him. Augustine contrasts this eternal peace with the fragile peace of the world, which is based on fleeting success or temporary pleasures. For Augustine, as well as the Reformed tradition, peace comes through reconciliation with God—through the work of Christ, who has made peace between sinful humanity and a holy God.

In Reformed theology, this peace is not only personal but also communal. Paul’s teaching in Romans 5:1 emphasizes that “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace with God should lead to peace with others, as we are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and live in unity as the body of Christ. Thus, Pax is both a state of being and a calling—it is the peace we experience in Christ and the peace we are sent into the world to bring. In a modern world marked by anxiety, division, and chaos, this call to live and work for peace is more urgent than ever.

The Rhythm of Work and Prayer: Ora et labora

The third motto, Ora et labora—“pray and work”—represents the practical means by which the first two mottoes are achieved. For St. Benedict, prayer and work were not separate or competing activities; they were integrated and complementary. Prayer nourished work, and work became an offering of worship. This integrated vision is deeply rooted in the Reformed understanding of vocation, which teaches that all work, when done in faith, is a form of worship, and in the Reformed emphasis on prayer as essential to the Christian life.

The Reformed doctrine of vocation holds that every Christian has a calling from God, whether as a teacher, parent, carpenter, or pastor. Every kind of work, when done to the glory of God, is sacred. This is central to the idea of Ora et labora, where work is seen as a form of devotion. The Reformers, particularly Martin Luther and John Calvin, rejected the medieval idea that only religious vocations were sacred. Instead, they taught that all believers are called to serve God in their daily lives, and that ordinary work can be a powerful form of worship when done with the right heart.

Likewise, prayer is seen as the spiritual fuel that enables Christians to carry out their work in a God-glorifying way. John Calvin referred to prayer as “the chief exercise of faith,” highlighting its essential role in the believer’s life. Prayer connects us to God, reminds us of our dependence on His grace, and helps us align our work with His purposes. The Benedictine balance of prayer and work reflects the Reformed conviction that all of life—whether in prayer or labor—is lived Coram Deo, before the face of God.

This balance is a powerful model for Christians today. In a world where work often feels overwhelming and prayer is frequently neglected, Ora et labora calls us to integrate the two, allowing prayer to shape our work and work to be an expression of our faith. By bringing prayer and work together, Christians can find a rhythm of life that honors God in both action and contemplation, living out their vocations with joy, purpose, and devotion.

A Model for Modern Christians

The three Benedictine mottoes—Ut in omnibus glorificetur Deus, Pax, and Ora et labora—together offer a holistic approach to the Christian life. They challenge us to live every moment for the glory of God, to seek His peace in the midst of a restless world, and to integrate our work and prayer in a way that reflects His presence in all we do. These principles emphasize the sovereignty of God over all of life and call believers to glorify Him in every aspect of their existence.

In a modern world marked by division, anxiety, and an often-fragmented approach to faith, the wisdom of these ancient mottoes offers a way forward. They remind us that the Christian life is not about compartmentalizing our spiritual lives from our work, but about living all of life Coram Deo, in constant awareness of God’s presence. When we glorify God in all things, seek His peace, and integrate our prayer and work, we begin to live a life that is both faithful and fruitful—a life that reflects the wisdom of the past and the hope of the Gospel for today.

Pastor Thiago Silva