The Rule of Benedict: Christian Monastic Wisdom for Daily Living
This accessible introduction presents the Rule as a guide to a God-centered, balanced approach to life. It shows us how to use Benedict’s wisdom to build relationships and communities formed by love and respect.
It offers historical background and personal reflections on Benedictine topics such as living in the present moment, balance, finding God in everyday life, individual and community prayer, hospitality, and healthy approaches to leadership, work, and service.
The format is entirely different from St. Benedict’s Toolbox, my first book. Following an introduction that includes the history of monasticism and the Rule, I present selections from the Rule in an inclusive language version. These selections are explained and annotated with historical background and my personal reflections.
The selections are grouped by topic such as prayer, relationships and community, hospitality, leadership, balance, moderation, healthy approaches to work, and humility.
While the book is accessible to those not familiar with the Rule, the feedback I have received reinforce its value to those who know the Rule. The book is a part of the Skylight Illuminations Series of Skylight Paths Publishing which offers annotations of great spiritual texts from many sources.
To learn more about the series click below.
A Sampling of Endorsements
“Accessible to first-time readers of the Rule and valuable for persons who have a long acquaintance with the monastic document. Love, integrity, truth, meaning and the search for God transcend the limitations of era and culture… they are universal desires. Saint Benedict is a master guide to their attainment, and Jane is a worthy translator for modern ears. [This book] will be a staple in the formation library of our monastery for years to come!”
— +Mary Ewing Stamps, Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery, an ecumenical monastery in the Benedictine and Methodist traditions
“A wonderful introduction to the Benedictine way … offers us the gift of ancient wisdom in accessible form. Recommended for all seeking to travel the monastic path.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, OblSB, author of The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom
“A helpful tool for both understanding and meditating on the wisdom of St. Benedict.”
— Sister Judith Sutera, OSB Mount St. Scholastica Monastery, Atchison, Kansas
“Benedict’s Rule comes alive in this wonderful treasure! A valuable resource for individuals and small groups alike, this delightful book makes clear that Benedict’s words are more important now than ever.”
–The Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson, PhD, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Beyond the Episcopal Church
“Lucid and welcoming commentary … brings the reader gently into the abiding grace of Benedictine spirituality, while faithfully unfolding the deeper insights of Benedict’s Rule. The clear introduction to early monasticism will prove helpful to those new to this field. This book will be a joy to teach, and a welcome resource for group study or retreats.”
— Mary C. Earle, Episcopal priest and author of Julian of Norwich: Selections from Revelations of Divine Love–Annotated and Explained and Beginning Again: Benedictine Wisdom for Living with Illness.
“Unveils the heart of Benedictine spirituality, showing us personal ways to turn to God daily. Enter here to discover an ancient, beautiful, and sacred way of living.”
— The Rev. Dr. David Robinson, ObSB, author of The Sacred Art of Marriage, and Ancient Paths: Discover Christian Formation the Benedictine Way and pastor of Cannon Beach Community Church.