Thomas Merton: a Book of Hours by Thomas Merton

THOMAS MERTON Thomas Merton was the most popular proponent of the Christian contemplative tradition in the twentieth century. Now, for the first time, some of his most lyrical and prayerful writings have been arranged into A Book of Hours, a rich resource for daily prayer and contemplation that imitates the increasingly popular ancient monastic practice of "praying the hours." Editor Kathleen Deignan mined Merton's voluminous writings, arranging prayers for Dawn, Day, Dusk, and Dark for each of the days of the week. A Book of Hours allows for a slice of monastic contemplation in the midst of hectic modern life, with psalms, prayers, readings, and reflections. Review Quotes Open any page of this wonderful book and you will find a mind-stopping, heart-catching phrase that will remind you, in Merton's unique way, that God is here, all around, right now, and in that moment everything will be different and you will be changed. -- Sylvia Boorstein A marvelous, inspiring, comforting, jolting, consoling little volume that organizes Merton's writing into prayers for dawn, midday, dusk and night of each day. A Book of Hours reveals in ways I have never experienced the hidden wellspring of Merton's contemplative life and art. This is a gorgeous book, beautifully conceived and intelligently executed. Deignan has woven a tapestry of Merton's prayer, prose, and poetry at their most ardent so as to re-educate our awareness that God is Beautiful and most worthy of our daily praise. This five-star book will snugly fit the pocket of your heart. Hardcover 223 pp