No Moment Too Small: Rhythms of Silence, Prayer, and Holy Reading
In No Moment Too Small, Vest focuses on three of the
foundations of the Benedictine way: silence, the exploration of
Scripture and other spiritual writings (lectio divina), and the
hours of prayer. These essentials of Benedict's sixth-century rule
of life offer a practical framework for spiritual growth in our own
day, a path to God through the events and people of ordinary
lives.
In her discussion of lectio-on-life, for example, Vest provides
insight on the reading of our lives as the “text” in which we find
God's Word written in the ordinary events of daily life. Exercises
for individuals or groups follow each chapter on silence, prayer,
and holy reading. Excellent for Lenten study groups as well as
ongoing prayer or Bible study groups.
Vest recognizes in the precepts of the Benedictine common life some significant common ground between monks and lay people. Far from suggesting that lay people can become monks, or otherwise enter into the fullness of monastic life, without taking religious vows, Vest stresses that, by following the Rule closely and faithfully, lay people can take on some essential monastic activities: silence, holy reading, prayer . . . Her ‘exercises' in silence, holy reading and prayer are superb, reminding one that no moment is too small to devote to God.
Anyone trying to be more disciplined in his or her spiritual life would find something useful here. But the book goes beyond the practical and becomes a spiritual path in itself. To be read slowly in order to allow the simplicity to settle into the reader's soul, this book is one to treasure and to return to for nourishment.
No moment is too small to be aware of God's Presence in our lives. Truly, this is a book to help us walk on the path of Jesus in our everyday life.
Norvene Vest perceptively and realistically adapts these key elements of Benedictine spirituality so that anyone anywhere can incorporate them fruitfully into his or her life.
Product Details
- Title : No Moment Too Small: Rhythms of Silence, Prayer, and Holy Reading
- Author: Vest, Norvene
- Publisher: Cowley Publications
- Publication Date: 1994
- ISBN: 9781461732877