Father Cyprian Smith is a Benedictine monk. He wrote this book after he had spent six years as the novice-master at Ampleforth Abbey. It was during this time that he introduced the novices into the Benedictine way through a series of weekly conferences. These conferences introduced some aspect of the monastic life to these novices.

This book is a collection of those conferences. But with a major difference, they have been adapted for the layperson. It is a good introduction for anyone who wants to live or understand a Christian vocation. Especially for anyone who is looking into becoming an oblate or a tertiary of a Christian order. Father Smith covers twelve basic areas: Listening, Stability, Conversatio Morum, Obedience, Silence, Lectio Divina, Prayer, The Eucharist, The Liturgy of the Hours, Private Prayer, Humility and Making Life a Unity.

If you are searching for a sense of direction and of stability in spiritual formation you will want to read this. It does offer basic guidance on the 'Rule for beginners' written by Saint Benedict. This book should be recommended reading for all Christians regardless of denomination. ( )