A Book of Hours by Thomas Merton Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of A Book of Hours
Book Review: The Persistent Call of Silence
Summary: 5 Stars
The Book of Hours by Thomas Merton called me to a deeper sense of myself. Each day of the week, Merton's thoughts, meditations, and prayers pulled me into a journey of love. Merton is considered one of the great spiritual directors of the 20th century. The anguish and joy through his own journey toward the mystery we call God acts as a guidepost for those who wish to find the peace that only God can offer. This little gem of a book enables those who want to find a more penetrating prayer time to find words and images that help in the journey to the "small light that burns within each of us, that light being God."
The editors manipulated a wealth of Merton's poetry, letters, canticles and journal entries to meld into a liturgically poetic book of hours or opus dei for the every day. The reader is presented with a week's worth of prayers and meditations organized in the traditional monastic style. However, instead of the seven hours or calls to prayer in the day, the editors shaped the daily prayer into four notable "hours:" Dawn, Day, Dusk, and Dark. Each part of the day brings the reader a reason to move forward, a reason to be, a reason to love each other more.
Merton's writing is never an easy read. He demands much of his audience. Often a meditation or prayer needs to be reread to glean its potential meaning for the reader, but that is the beauty of reading the mind of a seeker of peace in this world and the next. For those new to Merton, there may be an urge to put the little tome down, but hang in there. With every paragraph, this monk provides another window for inspiration and contemplation. He even encourages creative responses to silence:
Night calls, the door opens;
Darkness envelops the walk.
Forest stars bring me home.
Frank Champine
Langhorne, PA
Book Review: Thomas Merton - A Book of Hours
Summary: 5 Stars
The whole world should read and believe Thomas Merton! This is an artfully put together book. It adds that needed something for every day. It is one of the best inspirational works I have seen or read or used on a daily basis! If you haven't seen it - find it and use it. It will not only change you as an individual but if we could get everyone to believe the truth held here, it could change the world!Book Review: Wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great read for Lent. Just received this book a couple of days ago. The various writings of Merton are arranged in a Liturgy of the Hours format. This book is like an old friend, comfortable, deep, and something to "sit" with. I am buying another copy for my daughter and will recommend it highly to my Centering Prayer group.Book Review: a book of hours
Summary: 5 Stars
A small book (nice size to take along} loaded with images to enjoy, contemplate and put to use. Thomas Mertons writing is a nice mix of beautiful poetry and deep thoughts.Book Review: book of hours
Summary: 5 Stars
I feel you have to read Thoms Merton's book Seven Storey Mountain to fully enjoy this book. If you are trying to enrich your spitual life this is the book for you. It covers love of God, nature, and what your goal should be to lead a christian life.