Benedictine Spirituality
Rule
of
St. Benedict
The Rule of St. Benedict is written by Benedict of Nursia in Italy during the 6th century, it consists of a Prologue and seventy-three chapters.
It provides teachings about the basic monastic virtues of humility, silence, and obedience as well as directives for daily living.
He formulated a document, based on the Bible, that gives guidance for the inner spiritual journey and a practical framework for the life of a Christian community.
Ora
et
Labora
ORA or PRAYER: In Benedictine life, the day is structured to allow significant time for prayer – which includes the Divine Office prayed together and individual prayer, as well as time for spiritual reading and study (Lectio Divina) which is essential to a life of prayer.
LABORA or WORK: “Praying at all times” does not exclude doing a hard day’s work. The question of how to earn a living for a community is a reality.
