Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, a Benedictine Oblate, is author of Lectio Divina-The Sacred Art: Transforming Words & Images into Heart-Centered Prayer, Desert Fathers and Mothers: Early Christian Wisdom Sayings-Annotated & Explained (both SkyLight Paths) and The Artist's Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom, among other books. She frequently leads retreats and teaches on the wisdom of Benedictine, Celtic and desert ways of praying. A writer, artist, spiritual director, retreat facilitator and teacher, she is the online Abbess of [...] a global online monastery dedicated to the integration of contemplative practice and creative expression.

Introduction ix

Give Me a Word 3
Your Cell Will Teach You Everything 7
Heart-Centered Spirituality 27
Thoughts, Desires, and Passions 37
Humility, Simplicity, and the Beginner's Heart 57
Spiritual Elders and Soul Friends 85
Tears of Compunction 93
The Necessity of Practice 101
Virtues, Charity, and the Service of Love 111
Solitude, Silence, and Hesychia 119
Three Essential Things 125
Prayer and Differing Gifts 129
Conclusion: How to Become a Monk 137

Notes 144
Suggestions for Further Reading 146