For many people, life in a monastery seems mysterious and even archaic. It's generally not something people consider or know much about unless they know someone who is a member of a monastic community. Yet in an increasingly hectic world many Roman Catholics and Protestants alike have found their way to monasteries and centers of Benedictine spirituality for prayer, retreats, or spiritual guidance. They come with a hunger for spirituality and spiritual practices that will transform and sustain them in a busy and increasingly complex world. They seek community and solitude, a deep encounter with the Word of God, a place to reflect on the meaning of their lives, and wisdom for living the Christian life.
Benedict allows the leader of each monastic community to determine the specifics of the daily life of the community: times for prayer, the amount and kinds of food and drink, and appropriate clothing for the climate. While the details may vary from place to place, what remains constant is the conviction that all aspects of life--work, prayer, mealtime, rest--become worship in its broadest sense as we acknowledge that all of life comes to us from the hand of our Creator.
In this two-session study, we'll examine the foundational beginnings of Benedictine spirituality, which dates back over fifteen hundred years. Participants will learn about its basic components and explore other forms of spiritual discipline. They will also discuss the practical aspects of incorporating these spiritual practices into their own lives and be encouraged to practice them for a week between sessions 1 and 2.