The Rule of St Benedict, written for monks in the sixth century, continues to hold an extraordinary appeal to people in our day. It offers a balanced approach to seeking God and integrating prayer, work and relationships in a way that is more essential than ever in our stress-riven society. For St Benedict, the whole of life has a Lenten character, that is, it should be driven by the power of Easter which permeates every aspect of the day with the transforming power of Christ's resurrection. The book aims to help readers engage directly with The Rule of St Benedict. The essential argument is that the Rule offers a way of accessing the transforming power of grace by following the Gospel in everyday life, and so is potentially a blessing for every Christian. While the centrality of Easter in the Rule makes the book ideal as a Lent book, it also means that The Way of Benedict can serve as a guide to the wisdom of the Rule throughout the year. While not a commentary on the Rule, the book follows the shape of the Rule in the belief that this is integral to St Benedict's vision of holistic living.

Rich in monastic wisdom and holistic spirituality, this Lent course offers an eight-part path to living a spiritually integrated life.

About the Author
Laurentia Johns has been a Benedictine nun at Stanbrook Abbey since 1990. A poet and regular speaker/writer on Benedictine spirituality, she has worked in formation and guest ministries and currently has care of the community's oblates.

Reviews
'Like the Rule of St Benedict on which it is based, this little book carries far more wisdom than one might at first imagine. The Way of Benedict offers the reader an honest appraisal of how the author, who has been an enclosed Benedictine nun for more than a quarter of a century, has come to understand the monastic principles by which she lives. Even more usefully, she shares countless insights that can help those of us whose lives are un-cloistered to open ourselves to the many blessings that we so regularly miss. This is a book to read slowly, to read repeatedly, to share with friends and to give to any who long for more order, peace and joy in their daily lives.' -- Stephen Cherry, Dean, King's College Cambridge
'This beautiful book introduces us to the Benedictine Rule as a wise way to live. Sr Laurentia outlines the teaching of St Benedict with great clarity and then suggests practical steps to live it out in daily life. In fractious times, this is a timely reminder that wisdom is universal.' -- Abbot Christopher Jamison, author of Finding Sanctuary and Finding Happines
'The ancient wisdom of St Benedict has so much to offer today to anyone seeking to live more authentically in a world of constant change and turmoil. This book is born of deep engagement and attention to the profound desires of the heart and is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the Benedictine way more deeply. Sr Laurentia writes beautifully, drawing the reader into a greater contemplation of the generous grace of God, whether starting out to understand, or an old hand at prayer. This is a Lent book that will be read for its joyfulness the whole year round.' -- The Very Revd Dr Frances Ward, writer and theologian



Book Information
ISBN 9780281075812
Author Laurentia Johns
Format Paperback
Page Count 108
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing