Living Faith Day by Day: How the Sacred Rules of Monastic Traditions Can Help You Live Spiritually in the Modern World

Farrington (author of Romancing the Holy and One Like Jesus: Conversations on the Single Life) formulates a practical and thoughtful guide for developing an individual, God-centered ""rule for life,"" incorporating monastic wisdom into everyday activities. Farrington, who leads workshops and retreats on spirituality, ends each subsection with a series of practical exercises on prayer, work, study, spiritual community, care of the body, outreach and hospitality, making the daunting task of writing a ""rule for life"" seem manageable. Along the way, she offers some memorable insights from the Rule of St. Benedict and other monastic sources, guiding readers to pray for those who irritate or harm them, and moving them toward a healed heart and a closer relationship with God. In one section, she helps readers to understand that their greatest gift to another person can be grateful acceptance of that person's gift to them. Farrington's use of monastic wisdom can be humorous. A subchapter entitled ""Accept Others As They Are"" begins with the quote, ""Don't be irritated by the brother who sings off-key."" Throughout, Farrington brings the lofty vision of monastic life down to earth with specific, hands-on exercises and a commonsense approach. Her emphasis on the individual's role within the community makes this a perfect textbook for a spirituality retreat or small reading group. (Aug.)