A practical, down-to-earth guide on the Rule of St. Benedict and its use in daily life. In the sixth century when the Roman Empire was breaking apart and politics, cultural life and even the Church were in disarray―tumultuous times not unlike our own―Benedict of Nursia designed what he termed “a little rule” that showed his monks the way to peace as they learned to prefer Christ above all things. Jane Tomaine translates St. Benedict’s ancient rule for a modern audience and offers readers a primer on how to use these tools in their own tumultuous lives. Each chapter examines one aspect of the Rule, from ways of praying to ways of being in relationships and community, and offers tools for reflection, prayer, journaling, and action. This updated edition includes historical background to the Rule, a new chapter on relationships and community, and a guide for group use. “[A] wonderful book, one of the best introductions we have in print today to the spirit of St. Benedict. It speaks clearly to Episcopalians of our day about the great spiritual treasure of the Benedictine tradition.”―The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin, Assisting Bishop of Long Island. "Benedict continues to inform Christian life and work; his rule is as fresh and useful for us as it was fifteen hundred years ago. It is not only monks and nuns who benefit from meditating on the Rule ― all of us can. Here is an example of such meditation in the truest Benedictine way: practical, realistic, compassionate and confident in the power of the divine love to draw us near." ―Barbara Crafton, author of The Courage to Grow Old and numerous other books "I welcome this tenth anniversary edition of St Benedict’s Toolbox . It is a wonderful book, one of the best introductions we have in print today to the spirit of St. Benedict. It speaks clearly to Episcopalians of our day about the great spiritual treasure of the Benedictine tradition." ―The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, Episcopal Visitor of the Companions of St. Luke "In Jane Tomaine’s tenth anniversary edition of St. Benedict’s Toolbox , it becomes even more evident that Jane is a woman with a Benedictine heart. In this revised edition she broadens and deepens the various aspects of our Benedictine tradition in ways that are practical and meaningful for every reader. This is an exciting and challenging recipe for living our lives out of 'love for Christ, good habit, and delight in virtue' (RB 7:69)." ―Karen Joseph, OSB, member of Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand, Indiana, and retreat director "Any Christian hungry for deeper spiritual formation will find in St. Benedict’s Toolbox an authentic guide for how to live out the spirit of St. Benedict’s Rule for Monks . Filled with wise advice from a variety of monastic and other writers, the book is presented in an orderly and easily accessible format. Jane Tomaine’s practical approach, her sympathetic assessment of the human condition and her appreciation of the role of community in spiritual growth all reflect faithfully the spirit of St. Benedict’s Rule." ―Albert Holtz, O.S.B., Newark Abbey, author of Pilgrim Road and Downtown Monks Jane Tomaine, DMin, is an Episcopal priest, author, and retreat leader. She presents workshops, seminars, and retreats in parishes and retreat centers, and teaches courses on Benedict’s Rule at the Newark School of Theology. She lives in Mountainside, New Jersey. For further information, ideas, tools, and readings, check the website www.stbenedictstoolbox.org. St. Benedict's Toolbox The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living By Jane Tomaine Church Publishing Incorporated Copyright © 2015 Jane Tomaine All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-8192-3198-7 Contents Preface to the Tenth Anniversary Edition, Acknowledgments, Words of Encouragement for Those New to the Rule of St. Benedict, Welcome to St. Benedict's Toolbox, Guide to Using the Book: The "How-To" of St. Benedict's Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of the Book, Introduction: The Rule of Benedict: A Tool for Christian Living, Part I: Getting Started, 1 The Rule of Benedict: Relevant and Appropriate, 2 The Prayer of Lectio Divina: Listening to God in Scripture, Part II: The Benedictine Vows: The Core of the Rule, 3 Stability: Remaining Present, 4 Obedience: Listening and Responding, 5 Conversion of Life: Being Open to Transformation, Part III: More Tools for Daily Life, 6 Walking through the Day with God: Praying the Divine Office, 7 Benedictine Hospitality: Hearts Overflowing with Love, 8 Keeping a Holy "Benedictine" Lent Anytime, 9 The Holiness of Labor: Benedictine Work and Service, 10 Community, Relationships, and Being a Benedictine Presence, 11 What Are You Looking For? Developing a Rule of Life, 12 Conclusion: Living in the Present Moment, Appendix A: A Listing of the Tools in the Toolbox, Appendix B: A Guide for Using St. Benedict's Toolbox in a Group Setting, Endnotes, Sugges