When he was in the convent, our Holy Father Dominic would sometimes remain before the altar, standing erect without supporting himself or leaning upon anything. Often his hands would be extended before his breast in the manner of an open book; he would stand with great reverence and devotion as if reading in the very presence of God. Deep in prayer, he appeared to be meditating upon the words of God, and he seemed to repeat them to himself in a sweet voice. He regularly prayed in this way for it was Our Lord's manner as Saint Luke tells us: ". . . according to his custom he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to read" [Luke 4:16]. The psalmist also tells us that "Phinehas stood up and prayed, and the slaughter ceased" [Psalm 105:30].
He would sometimes join his hands, clasping them firmly together before eyes filled with tears and restrain himself. At other times he would raise his hands to his shoulders as the priest does at Mass. He appeared then to be listening carefully as if to hear something spoken from the altar. If one had seen his great devotion as he stood erect and prayed, he would certainly have thought that he was observing a prophet, first speaking with an angel or with God himself, then listening, then silently thinking of those things which had been revealed to him.
On a journey he would secretly steal away at the time for prayer and, standing, would immediately raise his mind to heaven. One would then have heard him speaking sweetly and with supreme delight some loving words from his heart and from the riches of Holy Scripture which he seemed to draw from the fountains of the Savior. The friars were very much moved by the sight of their father and master praying in this manner. Thus, having become more fervent, they were instructed in the way of reverent and constant prayer: "Behold as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the handmaid are on the hands of her mistress . . ." [Psalm 122:2].
V. Blessed Father Dominic, pray for us. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
O holy priest of God and glorious patriarch, St. Dominic, you who were the friend, the well-beloved son and confidant of the Queen of Heaven, and did work very many miracles by the power of the Holy Rosary, have regard for my petitions. On earth you opened your heart to the miseries of your fellow man, and your hands were strong to help them; now in heaven your charity has not grown less nor has your power waned. Pray for me to the Mother of the Rosary and to her Divine Son, for I have great confidence that through your assistance I shall obtain the favor I very much desire: (mention intentions here). Amen. The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic is a treasured document detailing St. Dominic’s method of prayer. It was written by an anonymous author in the 1200s. These ways of prayer were the actual practice of St. Dominic. These ways of prayer offer a glimpse into the inner life of St. Dominic and his profound love for God.