For fifteen centuries Benedictine monasticism has been governed by a Rule that is at once strong enough to instill order and yet flexible enough to have relevance fifteen-hundred years later. This pocket-sized, English-only edition is perfect for individual or group study.

Some may think that the point of prayer is to get our own way with extra-terrestrial help, or to save us from facing the problems of life, or to provide an escape from 'reality', or to give an emotional uplift that makes you feel food. Some may think that prayer is a way of expanding our consciousness which is achieved by our own discipline and personal effort at self-improvement. These are caricatures of what Christian prayer really is. There may be a strand of truth in some of them, but they miss the real point of prayer.

In The Rule of Benedict for Beginners, Wil Derkse describes how individuals -- and organizations as well -- who function apart from a monastery may emulate elements of Benedictine spirituality and follow the Benedictine motto of "worship and work" in their daily schedules. Book jacket.

"A commentary on parts of the Rule of St. Benedict (prologue and chapters 53, 58, 72, and 73)"--Provided by publisher.

A handy, pocket-sized edition of St. Benedict's Rule with sections dated so that the Rule may be read three times a year.