Around the year 500 St Benedict wrote a short guide for a small community who wanted to live together the balanced life of body, mind and spirit. The Rule of St Benedict became not only the foundational guide for monastic life in the West, but remains a potent spiritual resource that speaks authentically to countless individuals today. Fr Laurence Freeman OSB has described the text as the most important document for Christian living after the Bible.

In this reflective commentary, Esther de Waal recognises the profoundly scriptural emphasis of St Benedict’s writings. She shows how his Rule may be read personally and prayerfully by people such as herself seeking practical encouragement and support in their following of Christ.

‘Esther de Waal reminds us that St Benedict was, in fact, a lay person. So the value of this book is that Esther is a lay person writing for lay people about what is the core of Benedictine spirituality. I believe she has done something very important for all of us.’ -- Cardinal Basil Hume
‘Through the writings of Esther de Waal over the years, many people have been led into the heart and mind of St Benedict... This new edition brings out the overall shape of Benedict’s Rule with refreshing clarity. Monks, nuns and laity will all enjoy the insights of this thoughtful commentary.’ -- Christopher Jamison

ESTHER DE WAAL has written widely on both the Benedictine tradition and the recovery of the religious imagination. When Seeking God first appeared over thirty years ago, it opened up the insights of monastic life to lay people. She continues to live in the Welsh Borders, the place that has given her stability throughout her life.