Monasteries are sometimes called

"'Powerhouses of Prayer'
and those who live there, the monks and nuns,
'Prayer Warriors of the Cloister.'

"These strong images convey
the intensity of the contemplative life.

"We are all engaged in a spiritual battle
for the honor of God and the salvation of souls.

"'It is not against human enemies that we have to struggle,
but against the spiritual army of evil.'
(See Ephesians 6:12)

"Our prayer ministry is directed
both to God and to our neighbor.

• "To God by striving for total dedication, loyalty, fidelity. We express this in Eucharistic Adoration and the chanting of the Divine Office.
  
• "To our neighbor through the prayer of intercession in loving concern, care and support."

from the website of
the Monastery of the Infant Jesus
Lufkin, Texas