In Constant Prayer is a book in the ancient practices series by Robert Benson, published by Thomas Nelson. I chose to read it because I had read about the practice of praying the office in another book I had read, I am not really familiar with the practice and thought this book might help me to be more informed.
Praying the office is a pattern of worship and prayer that is offered to God at specific times throughout the day, it is meant to be used by all of the faithful of the church so that the church might be continuous in their prayers and always focusing on God. By church I refer to the mostly Catholic church, I on the other hand was brought up in a protestant, evangelical church and had never even heard of the office until a few years ago.Even upon reading this book it wasn't until the last chapter that I found exactly what the office is exactly. I sought this book to learn more about the office, all I really learned about it is that it is methodical and a very different approach to prayer than anything I have ever been taught.
Benson did give some definitions of exactly what the office is. I am now informed as to the mechanics of the office. Which is a somewhat good definition, because to me the office is just a mechanical repetition of the same rote of a listing of words, day in and day out. You can change your verses in the middle, but the beginning and the end remain the same. If, by some chance, God happens to show up during one of these perfunctory prayers, you are blessed. But the idea I came away with was that you really don't expect God to be there. That is not my idea of prayer. Perhaps I am missing the meaning.
I tried praying the office. I felt practiced and like I was reciting poetry, Rehearsed and stiff. Perhaps if I did it long enough I would see a benefit, but so far it has not been a life changing experience.
The book however, was helpful. If you are interested in what the office is all about it will help you to see a bit about it. It will not make it totally clear, but I expect God has to open your eyes for that.
This book was provided to me free by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.
