Benedictine Spirituality

The Rule of St. Benedict, written in the 6th century AD, still holds great relevance for monastic communities, Benedictine universities and other institutions, and for many others who find in it wisdom for our lives today.

A BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY GROUP meets once a month on Tuesdays, between October and May, with in-person and online options. Each gathering includes a short form of liturgical prayer, discussion of a Benedictine value or theme, and the evening closes by singing Compline (Prayer at the Close of the Day). Contact Pr. Craig Mueller for more information or to express interest in attending. 

Here are core Benedictine values reflected in the Rule of Benedict (RB) that also resonate with Lutheran spirituality as practiced at Holy Trinity:

AWARENESS OF GOD

To look for God not in the abstract but in the ordinary events of everyday life.

We believe that the divine presence is everywhere. RB 19

COMMUNITY LIVING

To become who we are by our relationship with others.

Let all things be common to all. RB 33

DIGNITY OF WORK

To see work as holy and as a form of prayer. Washing dishes is as holy as serving at the altar. Lutherans call this the vocation of the baptized in daily life.

. . . they live by the labor of their hands. RB 48

HOSPITALITY

To offer warmth, acceptance, and joy in welcoming others, especially strangers. This reflects Holy Trinity’s welcome statement that is recited in worship each week.

Let . . . all be received as Christ. RB 53

JUSTICE

We recognize the image of God in each person and work toward a just order in the larger society. This reflects Holy Trinity’s commitment to racial justice and reparations (repairing the world).

. . . that in all things God may be glorified. RB 57

LISTENING

To hear the voice of the divine through keen and sensitive listening in scripture, prayer, our own experience, and the voices of others and all created beings.

Listen . . . with the ear of your heart. RB Prologue

MODERATION

To be content with living simply and finding balance in work, prayer, and leisure. Amid a culture of consumerism and workaholism, we honor the need for sabbath and times of rest and renewal.

All things are to be done with moderation. RB 48

PEACE

To strive for peace on all levels: with self, others, and with God. RB Prologue

RESPECT FOR PERSONS

To respect each person regardless of class, background, or professional skill.

No one is to pursue what is judged best for oneself, but instead, what is better for someone else. RB 72

STABILITY

To stay put, honor long-term relationships of friendship, marriage, and friendship, and cultivate rootedness and a shared sense of mission.

To stand firm in one’s promises. RB 58

STEWARDSHIP

To be good stewards of our bodies, our time, our possessions, and places entrusted to our care.

Regard all utensils as if they were the sacred vessels of the altar. RB 31

More about the Rule of Benedict and Benedictine Spirituality

Welcomed as Christ: How Benedictine Spirituality Rescued My Faith

New Monks, intentional online community

Emmaus community, new monasticism

Saint Augustine’s House, Lutheran monastic community in Oxford, MI

Books:

Dennis Okholm, Monk Habits for Everyday People

Judith Valente, How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us about Happiness, Meaning, and Community.

Beverly Lanzetta, The Monk Within: Embracing a Sacred Way of Life