A Book of Hours by Thomas Merton
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Book Reviews of A Book of Hours
Book Review: Serving Our Soul-Needs
Summary: 5 Stars
It feels presumptuous to comment on a gracefully written and illustrated work based on the words of one of the twentieth century's greatest spiritual writers. Nonetheless, my take on this prayer book may add a little something to the high praise expressed by Merton scholars in the foreword and jacket remarks.
Kathleen Deignan's introduction, in addition to providing background on Thomas Merton, describes the practice of praying a Book of Hours. Her version consists of excerpts from a variety of Merton's works presented as familiar liturgical elements such as psalms, litanies, intercessions, hymns, and epistles. She invites us to "let this breviary serve our soul-needs" using whatever elements appeal to us during the time we have.
The first time I prayed with the book, I was drawn to these words from the Lesson: "Keep your eyes clean and your ears quiet and your mind serene." What would it mean for me to do each of those, and could I add other, similar cautions? Maybe lips or tongue or mouth in relation to fasting and praying? During a later session, I discovered an antiphon that exemplifies Merton's moments of pure exuberance in the midst of more formal expression: "You have to be all the time cooperating with the love and love sets a fast pace even at the beginning and, if you don't keep up, you'll get dropped." I was grateful that Deignan included this one, and also a long passage from Merton's Fire Walk story, considered by many to be the greatest piece of spiritual writing of its time.
Although this Book of Hours is in itself enough material for unlimited reflection, the author has wisely understood that many readers will want more Merton. To help them, she has added a simple system for identifying the source of each passage at the end of the book.
Book Review: Steppingstones To The Interior
Summary: 5 Stars
A book that takes Thomas Merton's BEST writings and arranges them in prayers for Sunday (Genesis) to Saturday (Wisdom) at the 4 Hours named: DAWN, DAY, DUSK, & DARK. These are the best formed Breviary prayers I've found in a lifetime. The writings selected from Merton are his more lyrical, mystical, and poetic writings, and lacks the dusty prose quality he sometimes has. I found this book to be the new central structure of my life time now. It shoved aside all manner of chaff. I enjoy much more time in prayer and contemplation now, and much less time online wasting hours. I did not find the traditional OFFICE to help in this regard, and this doesn't displace or replace the other more traditional breviaries, but it is a serious and beautiful alternative for solitary or communal prayer. I have experienced my entire life restructured around what I can only say is MY VOCATION REKINDLED. Solitude, contemplation, prayer have returned after many years of abeyance. The book is always new. For the solitary, this is a great window of light beaming in from the sun! You'll not be surprised that I've bought several as gifts for others, and keep extra here in my hermitage so prayer aloud with visitors is enabled. Benedicite! Taste and try....Book Review: Not Just for Merton Lovers
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a marvelous collection of writings from the works of Thomas Merton, the Trappist Monk, assembled in the form of a book of hours. Even if you are not particularly knowledgable about Merton's writings, you will find his comments on so many aspects of the spiritual life meaningful and tantalizing, you will want to study his works further. The author does include an index that gives the source of each selection included for the particular time and day of the week. Although he lived from 1915 - 1968, you will feel he is writing for right now. Included are writings for Dawn, Day, Dusk and Dark on each day of the week. You might think that only seven days would not be enough to keep you interested. But, as with much of Holy Scripture, something new and fresh appears with repetition. The author includes an informed introduction to her selections for Thomas Merton: A Book of Hours.Book Review: Drawing us into a loving silence
Summary: 5 Stars
A Book of Hours divides each day, everyday into moments of contemplation and deep compassion. The editor has done a skillful job with Merton's prayerful reflections and poems. Each reflection is carefully chosen.
In my search for the perfect way to settle quietly into a spiritual reflection, no other book has satisfied so completely. We are so prone to race through our days and yet hungry for spiritual food. By dividing days up, we can have a nice portion of prayer that carries through morning to bedtime.
There is something about Merton's litany, his choice of words and gentle pace that sustains in a hectic world. He urges us to carve, even this brief time, into a sacred space that takes root throughout the day.
If you are searching for well chosen words of God's love A Book of Hours will satisfy deeply. Janet M Greene
Book Review: A Book of Hours
Summary: 5 Stars
I had been thinking about the concept of praying at specified hours. When looking through Amazon I discovered this book, ordered it and when it came knew it was just what I wanted (needed). There are four periods of the day for prayer and readings (Dawn, Day, Dusk and Dark). Thomas Merton is a giant within the Christian History. His direction in prayer, examination and reflection is "top drawer". I have been reading at least two entries per day and am thrilled when I can read all four entries. For the individual who wants to expand their spiritual daily activity it is a wonderfully fulfilling resource.
Mrs. George Sund (Carolyn)