Benedict’s Rule

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. -Philippians 2:12

Tomorrow, July 11, is the day each year when the church takes time to remember and celebrate St. Benedict of Nursia. The story of Benedict is fascinating. As a young man, he was sent to Rome for an education. When he got to the city, he was disgusted by the decadence and lack of morality that he saw. He ran away to the mountains, where he began a life of solitude and prayer. That solitude was short lived, as people began flocking to him to learn how to draw closer to God.

A monastic community formed around him, following a rule of life that is now known as “Benedict’s Rule.” The monks would spend about four hours each day in prayer, five hours in study and reading, six hours of work, one hour for meals, and eight hours of rest. This rhythm of prayer and work formed the foundation of life for the monks and has been the source from which most monastic rules have derived.

Benedict’s Rule boils down to two things, prayer and work. Our days are governed by so many things clamoring for our attention. The never-ending to-do list, the steady stream of new tasks. By keeping a rule of life, we can ground ourselves in what truly matters. Eventually, even our work can be offered as a prayer. The hard work, the mundane work, everything we do, offered as a prayer and praise to God.

Gracious God, whose service is perfect freedom and in whose commandments there is nothing harsh nor burdensome: Grant that we, with your servant Benedict, may listen with attentive minds, pray with fervent hearts, and serve you with willing hands, so that we might live at peace with one another and in obedience to your Word, Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

-Nathan