In Constant Prayer

by Robert BENSON

173 p.

ISBN 978-0-8499-4603-5.
(Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson)

This book counts for

The author, part of the Episcopalian Tradition, is renowned for his writings on how to live a more contemplative and prayerful life in the modern world.

In this very accessible book, he sheds light on the history of the daily office, also known as the prayer of the hours, and shares as well on its obstacles and benefits, mainly how faithfulness to daily prayer definitely changes us. He argues that unceasing prayer, an essential element of the Christian life that our generation has left aside, is the key to the renewal of the Church today, if not altogether to its survival.

Having practiced this form of prayer for decades myself, I admit I began to read the book with a very critical spirit. But then I realized the author had done his homework and did expose the whole subject and an appealing and helpful way for all those unfamiliar with the practice of daily prayer. The Desert Fathers used to say that the world was surviving only thanks to ‘pillars of prayer,’ so I believe that not only the Church but the whole of society can only survive through prayer. My only regret is that the author did not mention more the importance and development of unceasing prayer coming from our Eastern Christian brothers and sisters, especially through the practice of the Jesus prayer. I recommend this book for Christians needing some help to commit more seriously to daily prayer.

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