Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
Prayer is the foundation for our spiritual walk. I like what Oswald Chambers 
wrote, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work.”
wrote, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work, prayer is the greater work.” 
In Constant Prayer
is the newest book by Robert Benson and I am happy to add it my bookshelf next to other books I have by him: Venite and A Good Life.
is the newest book by Robert Benson and I am happy to add it my bookshelf next to other books I have by him: Venite and A Good Life.In Constant Prayer explains the pattern of prayer and worship called the Daily Office. This ancient practice is also known as the liturgy of the hours, fixed hour prayer, the divine office, the divine hours and daily prayer. It is the discipline of praying at fixed times throughout the day and night. Though its structure may not appeal to everyone, we are all called to deeper communion with God and this is certainly one way to open our hearts to hear God better.
Benson writes in a warm friendly style like you are having a cup of coffee with him discussing ways to pray. He shares the background of the daily office and ways to overcome any possible obstacles. The book is a wonderful resource for anyone wanting to learn more about this spiritual practice.
“I am aware, too that first and foremost we are called to worship the living God, to pray without ceasing, to say the prayer that Christ can now only say through us,” Benson writes. He stresses that at some point we have to stop talking about prayer and actually pray – allowing it to work into the dailyness of life.
The book also contains sample prayers, additional resources, and a study guide. This thoughtful book is a great introduction for someone who doesn’t know much about the daily office.
In Constant Prayer is part of the Ancient Practices is a new eight-book series from Thomas Nelson Publishers that covers the seven essential spiritual disciplines. The whole series sounds fascinating. I do need to let you all know that I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s requirement.
I have dabbled in the daily office off and on the past few years and In Constant Prayer deepen my hunger to explore this practice once again.
How about you? How do stretch and grow your prayer life?
JEAN —
Thank you much for taking the time to read IN CONSTANT PRAYER in the first place, for saying kind things about what you read, and for sharing it with your friends. I am honored, humbled and grateful.
Be in touch. And Namaste —
Robert Benson
thelongpew.com
Thanks for all the comments. You know I find myself yakking at God many times throughout the day. He is a constant companion but I think trying to practice the daily office would create the space for me to shut up and listen to hIm.
This sounds really good, Jean. I’m going to check it out. Thank you!
Good book review, Jeanie. I like to write my prayers, too. Keeps me from gathering distractions. 🙂
I use to think that praying continually without ceasing was a hard task and impossible. But when I begin to look at it from a different perspective it’s not hard to do it’s not impossible..So I summed it up this way when I have those moments where I am cooking instead of me listening to the radio or cd I can pray while cooking. When cleaning I can talk to God and sing Him a song. there are so many things we all can do.once I saw it that way I realized on how difficult we can make things for ourselves.