Spirituality for Everyday Living: An Adaptation of the Rule of St. Benedict

by Brian C. Taylor

Spirituality for Everyday Living is a practical resource for people who seek to be "in the world but not of it." It is for individuals or reflection groups who seek God through the qualities of ordinary life. This book takes as its model the monastic Rule of St. Benedict with its balance of prayer, conversion of life, commitment, study, work, relationships, and solitude. These principles are explored for their application to those of us outside the enclosure struggling to find God in the very life we have been given. Recommended readings from the Rule are listed at the end of each section of this book.

Genres: Spirituality, Christianity, Prayer

72 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

Reviews

[Ed Wojniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an lucid and warm summary of the Rule of St. Benedict. I'm amazed that not until just recently did I become aware of and exposed to the Rule ... after nearly 45 years following my conversion experience! Living under a rock? Or, woefully sheltered in my experience with Evangelicalism from the riches of Catholic forms of faith?

[Sylvia Jeronimo · Rating 2 out of 5]

A modern commentary on the Rule of St Benedict. Taylor is able to not only translate the intent of the Rule for modern readers but also to contextualizing it to everyday life. The chapters on Obedience, now a distant and foreign concept in post- Christian environs, and the chapter on Prayer are of note. Loved the statement that what we learn , over time , becomes integrated into our lives and therefore, results in an integrated, fully rounded person.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

To live by

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rather thin volume is one among the many books in the Benedictine everyday living tradition which sprang up rather vigourously in the 70s and has continued steadily over the intervening years. As anyone who looks at my list of books can see, I find this a helpful way to come at the collision of spirituality and everyday life The Benedictine sense of balancing prayer, work and reading is an attractive one for me because it is so practical and useful in the here and now. Brian Taylor's offering is a good one and covers the ground well and succinctly. He includes reflection questions at the end of each chapter which are helpful to connect the material to one's life. Well worth reading, especially as an introduction to this important spiritual tradition.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that is to be read slowly and with time for deep reflections. I appreciated Brian Taylor's insight on Benedictine spirituality from the perspective of a working father and husband. He helped me see how Benedict rules can assist me in living well int he 21st century, bringing balance to my unbalanced life. A worthwhile read.

[Sarah]

Couldn't finish.