What do you think?
Rate this book
A Book of Hours
Thomas Merton was the most popular proponent of the Christian contemplative tradition in the twentieth century. Now, for the first time, some of his most lyrical and prayerful writings have been arranged into A Book of Hours , a rich resource for daily prayer and contemplation that imitates the increasingly popular ancient monastic practice of "praying the hours".
Editor Kathleen Deignan mined Merton's voluminous writings, arranging prayers for Dawn, Day, Dusk, and Dark for each of the days of the week. A Book of Hours allows for a slice of monastic contemplation in the midst of hectic modern life, with psalms, prayers, readings, and reflections.
Editor Kathleen Deignan mined Merton's voluminous writings, arranging prayers for Dawn, Day, Dusk, and Dark for each of the days of the week. A Book of Hours allows for a slice of monastic contemplation in the midst of hectic modern life, with psalms, prayers, readings, and reflections.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
200 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Merton
554 books1,900 followersThomas Merton, religious name M. Louis, was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist and scholar of comparative religion. In December 1941 he entered the Trappist Abbey of Gethsemani and in May 1949 he was ordained to priesthood. He was a member of the convent of the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, near Bardstown, Kentucky, living there from 1941 to his death.
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is on National Review's list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.
Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through his study of mystic practice. His interfaith conversation, which preserved both Protestant and Catholic theological positions, helped to build mutual respect via their shared experiences at a period of heightened hostility. He is particularly known for having pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, including the Dalai Lama XIV; Japanese writer D.T. Suzuki; Thai Buddhist monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He traveled extensively in the course of meeting with them and attending international conferences on religion. In addition, he wrote books on Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and how Christianity is related to them. This was highly unusual at the time in the United States, particularly within the religious orders.
Merton wrote more than 50 books in a period of 27 years, mostly on spirituality, social justice and a quiet pacifism, as well as scores of essays and reviews. Among Merton's most enduring works is his bestselling autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948). His account of his spiritual journey inspired scores of World War II veterans, students, and teenagers to explore offerings of monasteries across the US. It is on National Review's list of the 100 best nonfiction books of the century.
Merton became a keen proponent of interfaith understanding, exploring Eastern religions through his study of mystic practice. His interfaith conversation, which preserved both Protestant and Catholic theological positions, helped to build mutual respect via their shared experiences at a period of heightened hostility. He is particularly known for having pioneered dialogue with prominent Asian spiritual figures, including the Dalai Lama XIV; Japanese writer D.T. Suzuki; Thai Buddhist monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, and Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh. He traveled extensively in the course of meeting with them and attending international conferences on religion. In addition, he wrote books on Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, and how Christianity is related to them. This was highly unusual at the time in the United States, particularly within the religious orders.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 21, 2008
This book is set up in the daily liturgical cycle, but instead of prayers from a lectionary or scripture readings, it is entirely composed of Thomas Merton's thoughts on silence, contemplation, nature, and listening to God. It's a great way to silence your soul to listen to God, and a good balance to something like the Divine Hours or the Catholic Breviary. I like how subjective it is, and its focus on silence and contemplation. It gives a great context to an anecdote I once heard: Mother Teresa was asked by a journalist, "How do you pray" She answered, "I listen to God." The journalist replied, "What does God say to you?" She answered, "He listens back."
This is the kind of spirituality that Merton helps to cultivate. It's a remedy for our culture's fractious, busy, disengaged and half-hearted way of being. Guiding us through grounding ourselves in God and slowing down to be perfectly present and attentive to his Spirit is Merton's greatest gift.
This is the kind of spirituality that Merton helps to cultivate. It's a remedy for our culture's fractious, busy, disengaged and half-hearted way of being. Guiding us through grounding ourselves in God and slowing down to be perfectly present and attentive to his Spirit is Merton's greatest gift.
August 19, 2014
Magnificent Spiritual Poetry and Prose. Absolutely stunning!
April 4, 2021
This has been a standby for me since around 2012... a wonderful compilation of excerpts that never get old, no matter how many weeks I use it.
January 30, 2024
I just got this and it tears me up (in good ways). Thankful for Thomas Merton.
March 27, 2017
Fantastic prayer book!
August 14, 2010
Thomas Merton is the man. I loved Seven Storey Mountain, so I was delighted to pick up this book as well. It's laid out as a book of hours would be: four liturgical prayers per day over seven days. I read a prayer section each day for devotions and ignored the suggested times to pray. That worked fine for me.
Merton is a man of faith who has gone out beyond the constructs of humanity in his pursuit of God, and his writing shows this fact. He insistently calls the reader to stop making God to be something and go in search of him. Merton dabbles in poetry as well, and he's pretty good. The imagery and fervency of his prayers amaze me often.
One of my hangups about this book is the Catholic/Protestant divide. When Merton starts addressing Mary, my attention shuts off. I did enjoy one of his poems about Mary, however. Catholics really don't bother or offend me these days, but there are just a few bits like the one above that distance me from the text.
That said, the majority of the prayers here are superb, lovely, and well conceived. I will definitely read this again for devotions as it serves that purpose excellently. If you're looking for new, passionate prayers to say to the Lord, pick up Merton.
Merton is a man of faith who has gone out beyond the constructs of humanity in his pursuit of God, and his writing shows this fact. He insistently calls the reader to stop making God to be something and go in search of him. Merton dabbles in poetry as well, and he's pretty good. The imagery and fervency of his prayers amaze me often.
One of my hangups about this book is the Catholic/Protestant divide. When Merton starts addressing Mary, my attention shuts off. I did enjoy one of his poems about Mary, however. Catholics really don't bother or offend me these days, but there are just a few bits like the one above that distance me from the text.
That said, the majority of the prayers here are superb, lovely, and well conceived. I will definitely read this again for devotions as it serves that purpose excellently. If you're looking for new, passionate prayers to say to the Lord, pick up Merton.
October 12, 2010
The spirituality is good and enjoyable. I really enjoyed the parts about warfare and violence and the needs of people to change themselves internally instead of connecting to less personal movements in order for us to eventually see the end of warfare which is always useless and unnecessary. That said, from a poetic standpoint there was too much that just was average poetry. Also, as a book of hours it really lacked a sense of divinity and prayer in many of the pieces. I would have rated it higher if it weren't supposed to be a compilation within that prayer tradition. Of course I'm sure there are many people who would appreciate that very act, that it wasn't excessively traditional in prayer style.
December 30, 2009
Merton's writings are the basis of the prayers offered in this book. But it is not just another book of prayers. It is organized into groups of prayers to be said routinely four times a day each day of the week. Each prayer time, part of the discipline of The Divine Hours, has separate prayers designed to convey messages to the reader and to God.
I find it refreshing to pray with the psalms and litanies written by a spiritual master like Merton. It's poetry in the way the biblical psalms are, but conveying themes and ideas that resonate to a modern audience. (or to me, at least.)
It is meant to be used over and over every week. I will wear this one out over time.
I find it refreshing to pray with the psalms and litanies written by a spiritual master like Merton. It's poetry in the way the biblical psalms are, but conveying themes and ideas that resonate to a modern audience. (or to me, at least.)
It is meant to be used over and over every week. I will wear this one out over time.
May 25, 2010
A beautiful book full of poetry, full of meaning. It's supposed to be a prayer book but there was far too much in each “hour of prayer” to get through in one prayer period. Although it's laid out as prayers for one week – Sunday through Saturday – it took me months to “pray” through the whole thing because Merton's concepts are so thought provoking and his poetry so rich. I highly recommend it.
June 1, 2008
Merton was a contemplative at Gethsemane in Kentucky. He encourages us to find that silence within...there we will find God..that our identity is revealed in the love and mercy of God. When we truly find God within, we find ourselves, and our purpose for being.
July 26, 2008
If I could meet one person from history, it would be Thomas Merton. What a visionary. The editor here takes his writings and arranges them into a medieval book of hours for your contemplation enjoyment.
February 8, 2009
This is a daily read book for readings morning, noon and night. It is like a little Liturgy of Hours.
January 12, 2020
Interesting collection
Although the passages can be awkward for a liturgy of hours, it is impressive and brings deep thought.
It has different sets of prayers, essays, poems, and psalms for a few sessions through each day for a week.
It is so deep it takes time to go through each set of prayer, but is worth it for such a nice collection of Merton's work.
Although the passages can be awkward for a liturgy of hours, it is impressive and brings deep thought.
It has different sets of prayers, essays, poems, and psalms for a few sessions through each day for a week.
It is so deep it takes time to go through each set of prayer, but is worth it for such a nice collection of Merton's work.
September 14, 2018
Fabulous. Inspirational.
July 1, 2019
Gorgeous book!
November 23, 2019
Simply wonderful. A walk through the hours and their celebration. Merton's poetry and prose are so very evocative.
April 1, 2020
Another great devotional book. I was especially moved by many of his poems included in this short volume. Will have to look for more of his writings.
October 1, 2020
A book to read and read again often
April 17, 2022
Nice try, but I will stick with the Divine Office.
September 29, 2022
A lovely breviary!
July 20, 2023
Excellent. Thoughtful and inspiring for contemplation.
January 18, 2025
This is a book oriented around the daily office, based on quotes and concepts from Thomas Merton. Love it.
July 26, 2019
Really great ideas but had to start skimming after two-thirds.
January 6, 2017
"Ote, joka nykyisyydellä on minuun. Se on huomattavasti kasvanut hengellisessä elämässäni - eipä juuri muuta." - Thomas Merton
July 12, 2015
Simply an outstanding devotional, particularly if you're familiar with Merton. If you're looking for a devotional that takes Scripture and asks you to think about the passage, this is not that kind of book. It is instead a careful clipping of Merton's writing placed into a liturgical, devotional form. It's a book of contemplation and consideration of the themes and theology of the Christian life. And if you're willing, it will take you on a journey that will provide fertile ground for important questions about the faith.
I have used this devotional in certain seasons of my life and have always appreciated it. It's a good idea to get familiar with Merton's writings if you're not already and the trajectory of his life that those writings represent.
I have used this devotional in certain seasons of my life and have always appreciated it. It's a good idea to get familiar with Merton's writings if you're not already and the trajectory of his life that those writings represent.
October 27, 2009
Thomas Merton is unbelievably gifted at giving words to ideas that seem to be beyond language; there were several passages in here where I found myself thinking, wow, I have always believed that but never could have even attempted to describe or explain it. That being said, I did struggle to commit to slowing down and focusing on this four times per day--even during a week we didn't have school. That's probably a comment on how much I neglect that side of myself, but at this point in my life, I don't know how I remedy that. Either way, this was a wonderful book, and I look forward to reading more of Merton's writing down the road.
May 13, 2013
I personally find it nice to use different books of daily offices in my prayer life. Thos. Merton was a famous Trappist monk/ writer of the 20th century and is the author of the content, compiled by Kathleen Deignan, CND in 2007. Some of this book's creative writing is a little difficult for me to follow the meaning of. However, for the most part, this book is a refreshing take on the daily office, a form of prayer enjoying renewed interest in recent years. "A Book of Hours" has four offices a day for any one week.
January 4, 2012
I've heard so many wonderful Merton quotes, I thought this would be a good way to get a sampling of his writing. I wish I had selected a complete work instead. While the poetry was nice, the prose excerpts seemed lacking, probably because they were out of context. This hasn't spoiled Merton for me yet. I hold out hope my next selection will be better!
November 12, 2015
A lovely, simple devotional that allows for reflection and some excellent spiritual thought. Each day is divided into four parts - dawn, day, dusk, and dark. I am not poetically-minded, so I generally skipped over the songs and poems and read the prayers and confessions for the entire day. I look forward to reading Thomas Merton's biography, now.
October 28, 2008
Great book for creating a rhythm of meditation outside of the normal evangelical scope. Any protestant reader will feel uncomfortable with the Mariology -so just skip it and enjoy the parts that you can theologically connect with!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews