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Product Description
An ecumenical guide for the observance and practice of daily Christian prayer.
Robert Benson's "beautifully measured prose" (Publishers Weekly) has inspired his readers to examine their faith with "words that have the ring of truth" (Frederick Buechner). As his readers will attest, he is a powerful and poetic writer in the manner of Madeleine L'Engle and Kathleen Norris. Now, with Venite, Benson compiles the ancient and traditional prayer practices of the Church, recited by priests, nuns, and monks, in a book essential to lay people who want to practice daily prayer throughout the year in their own solitude.
Like The Book of Common Prayer, Venite (an invitation to come to prayer) is a daily book of connecting to God for people of all Christian faiths. Crossing denominational lines in spirit and in practice, it is divided into seven parts: Office, Seasons, Days of Remembrance, Canticles, Psalter, Lectio, and Prayers. Based on and adapted from ancient texts, it is a book firmly rooted in the Church. At the beginning of each section, readers will discover explanatory and instructive notes to help them begin their practice. Easy-to-use and follow, it is an uplifting and enlightening book for all experienced in or new to sacred daily prayer.
Bringing readers to faith and the wonder of a life complete and whole, Venite is a means for everyone to participate in the daily Office "that is prayed by the Body of Christ Himself to sanctify the day." Appendix.
Amazon.com Review
Venite is an invitation to pray, and that is exactly what author Robert Benson (Living Prayer) offers in this book of prayers. "This book was never really meant for you to hold in your hands," Benson confesses. Rather it came out of Benson's personal desire to say "the Office" (meaning to pray morning, midday, evening, and night). Unfortunately, Benson discovered that there was little guidance on how to structure this ancient form of worship or what prayers he could use, and so he set out to create his own guidebook. "The one who made this book is neither priest nor scholar nor monk," he humbly continues. "I am a pilgrim... I am simply a man who wants to pray and I have found these prayers helpful."
Benson offers his suggestions for designing a daily prayer pattern that includes "praise, confession, hearing the Word, and going forth." He divides his prayer book into seven sections, including "Office" (with specific prayers to repeat morning, noon, evening, and night), "Seasons" (with prayers that relate to the Christian calendar), and "Days of Remembrance." Those who are familiar with the structure of Christian prayer books will have little trouble following the format and language of this handbook. However, newcomers to the Christian faith may find it complicated and slightly overwhelming.
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