Benedict's Way: An Ancient Monk's Insights for a Balanced Life

by Lonni Collins Pratt, Father Daniel Homan OSB

An excellent source for spiritual reading today, Benedict's Way is actually a collection of practical principles for living developed back in the sixth century. Devised by a monk named Benedict so that he and his fellow monks could grow together in Christian spirit, the Rule of St. Benedict continues to guide and nurture ordinary men and women today who seek to live a balanced spirituality.In 30 short chapters, authors Lonni Collins Pratt and Father Daniel Homan provide stories, reflections, prayers, and actions through which the reader can understand Benedict's principles and allow them to shape ordinary life. This small but powerful book can be used for personal retreat, spiritual reading, and general reflection.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful little book which takes the reader on a stroll through Benedictine spiritually. The author is a Benedictine Oblate and has spent many pleasant days at St. Benedict Monastery in St. Oxford, Michigan. The book is actually co-authored by Fr. Daniel Homan, a monk at the monastery. The book is organized to parallel the major subjects which are addressed in the Rule of St. Benedict, which has been in use since the 5th century. The first chapter, Listening, addresses how this teaching from the Rule works out in the monastery and then how it can apply to those of us living "in the world" outside the monastery. I used the book as devotional reading, covering one chapter per day. Truly a delightful little book.

[Leigh Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not just the Rule - it's the law.

Well, sort of. Benedictine spirituality revolves around the Rule of St. Benedict, a guidebook on how to live a monastic life that's held up pretty well over the centuries. This is because Benedict was more concerned about building a strong soul than about the nitty-gritty details of who should do what when. Pratt, who worked with a Benedictine Father on the book, offers a series of short meditations that would read nicely with morning coffee/prayer/ritual/whatever spiritual you-time you practice. You don't have to be Catholic to appreciate everything the authors have to say, though it helps, and as I read I chuckled as I realized just how deeply my early religious training had affected me. Recommended for larger religious collections, or other collections where Catholic devotional literature is in demand.

[Shaunaocchipinti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will stay on my shelf to read again. The short, focused chapters are perfect for reflection time and time again. I enjoyed the ancient quotes from St. Benedict among with reflections on modern life.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, mindful way to walk through the core Principe of Benedictine Spirituality.

[Lauren Kester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for contemplation and just thinking about various aspects of life. If you want to go on a personal retreat for a week or a weekend, this book would be a good companion, especially to help get you started.This book isn't necessarily meant to give profound insight as it is to aid the reader in connecting with God and looking at life in a different way.

[awesome.nerd.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Spiritual book I’ve read. It was an easy read and each chapter had a new growth topic. It was lovely!

[Candy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for GIFT church book group.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the simplest, yet most piercing Catholic spirituality books that I've read. It's especially helpful for Benedictines (monks, Oblates, or those discerning a vocation), but I would recommend it to anyone looking to get deeper into prayer and listening.

The book is divided into short chapters on topics like "Listening," "Reverence," "Simplicity," "Joy," and "Obedience." These chapters are instructive yet centered on illuminating stories and anecdotes. The writing is conversational--very straightforward, very easy to read--yet beautiful.

I tried to work through it slowly, digesting it bit by bit, which is the best way to read books on spirituality and prayer...but even so, I know I'll have to read it again. This one's a keeper!

[Go2therock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always felt a kinship with St. Benedict. This was my first opportunity to spend some time with him, his rules, and 'his way.' I felt right at home, just as I'd hoped. This is a read, and re-read, and re-read again... and again... and again sort of book for me. I even got hold of two copies and it will be difficult for me to eventually let one go - but I will, because it's too good to keep to myself - and very un-Benedictine of me not to share.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part theology. Part philosophy. Part ethical-guide-to-living.
A short, pocket-sized read that can easily be tackled on a lazy weekend afternoon.
I enjoyed it but not as much as some other books I've read with a similar theme.
It didn't hit a home run. But it was as good as hitting a triple with one out in the bottom of the 9th in a tied game.

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Single chapter devotionals on a topic, I think this one missed the mark. It was hard to keep on track of the Benedictine values that were to be covered with the volume of Springsteen and Mellencamp song references, examples of individual monks that were their friends, and personal childhood stories.

[Bob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't care for it, a little too devotional for me. I was looking for more about the Rule and less theology, so didn't finish it. It's one I might pick up again sometime, however--it wasn't that I hated the book, just not what I was looking to read when I picked it up.

[Tom Walsh]

It's nice to step back and look at one's life via a guidebook such as this one. It is in sections to allow reading them in a single sitting. I am so impressed this gigantic knowledge can be filtered into this volume. The way of Benedict is enlightening.

[Steven Tryon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to Benedictine spirituality, designed to be read over the space of a month as a mini retreat. Very well done. I shall return to it a time or two in 2017.

Read again in 2018. Excellent.

[Aaron · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd really liked Radical Hospitality: Benedict's Way of Love, but in reading this book later, it didn't seem as thought provoking as the other one.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to learn more about the Benedictine spirituality, great buy.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very "lightweight" inspirational/motivational type of book. An easy and fun read.

[Benjamin]

This little book makes for good journal kindling. The short chapters provide just enough of a hook to spark reflection and prayer.

[Ann Yeong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. I read it at the right season of spiritual growth. I listened, and God spoke volumes through this simple book, through St Benedict's spirituality.

[Candace Simar · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book really spoke to me about balance, true joy and spirituality. I'm buying it for three friends and will definitely read it again--slower this time to get every bit of wisdom that i can.

[Annie Mckenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful for daily living the Rule of Benedict...one of my favorites!

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!
You can read my full review here-
http://teaandtheology.com/book-review...

[Alvaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on spirituality for everyday's life. Following the Rule of Saint Benedict, it gives insights to a closer to God life and a good list of Going Inwards and Prayers to say.

[Brian Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite reads. A simple, engaging, and practical read to apply Benedictine spirituality for 'non-monastics.'