Experience the depth and beauty of an ancient prayer practice as it is celebrated in a modern monastic community At the Church of the Transfiguration on Cape Cod, the Liturgy of the Hours is observed each day by the Community of Jesus, an ecumenical Christian community in the Benedictine monastic tradition. The Liturgy of the Hours is the heartbeat of everyday life, the pulse that sustains and nurtures the community. In this little book, all the richness of these ancient prayers is presented in a modified version for Christians everywhere. The Little Book of Hours provides four weeks of services, with three services for every day, and many additional collects and services. Learn how you can "pray the hours" in the midst of your busy life today. "Prayer is first and foremost about relationship, our relationship with God and our relationship with one another in the Body of Christ. These relationships fill our lives with meaning and purpose. Prayer, then, is not so much an exercise of piety as it is an exchange of love." —from The Little Book of Hours To learn more about the Community of Jesus visit www.communityofjesus.org . Frederica Mathewes-Green takes us on a journey into the Middle East during the fifth and sixth century where Anna, a Christian, spends most of her time pursuing divine union. The religious term for this is "theosis," which the author defines as "one's essential being is permeated and filled with the presence of God." For Anna and other members of the early Christian community, the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving were steps on the path toward a totally transformed life in Christ. Mathewes-Green believes that contemporary believers could learn from the ancient church where authority was diffused among everyone and where hearing the Holy Spirit's voice was something honored and taken seriously. The author emphasizes that the battle between Christ and the Evil One was "the backdrop of every believer's journey to theosis." She also notes the importance of repentance, The Jesus Prayer, and the preeminent belief in God's unceasing mercy. Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality and Health October 5, 2007 This deceptively small book is a bracing Christian antidote to the overabundance of "feel good," sentimental spiritual books. Using bold strokes and strong colors, the author contrasts the sturdy spirituality of Christians living in the first centuries, with the "pastel" spirituality all too prevalent today. A gifted storyteller, Mathewes-Green writes with wit and wisdom, challenging complacency and irresponsibility. Lenora Black, OSB Spirit & Life January/Febuary, 2007 With refreshing boldness and unwavering commitment to the gospel, the author not only introduces the time-honored spirituality of the early church, but equips today's Christians with the tools to practice it. Light and Life Publishing November 12, 2002 Experience the richness and beauty of an ancient prayer practice, celebrated in a modern monastic community At the Church of the Transfiguration on Cape Cod, the Liturgy of the Hours is observed each day by the Community of Jesus, an ecumenical Christian community in the Benedictine monastic tradition. The Liturgy of the Hours is the heartbeat of everyday life; the pulse that sustains and nurtures the community. In this little book, all the richness of this ancient prayer practice is presented in a modified version for Christians everywhere. The Little Book of Hours provides four weeks of services, with three services for every day, as well as a helpful introduction that explains how you can "pray the hours" in the midst of a busy life, and many additional collects and services. "Prayer is first and foremost about a relationship and this relationship fills our life with meaning and purpose. Prayer is not so much an exercise of piety as it is an exchange of love." --from The Little Book of Hours