The Lessons of Saint Francis: A Monk's Guide to Daily Life [Hardcover]

John Michael Talbot (Author), Steve Rabey (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0525943145 | ISBN-13: 978-0525943143 | Publication Date: September 1, 1997 | Edition: 1

An inspirational compendium divided into such sections as Simplicity, Humility, Compassion, Creativity, Community, Solitude, Service, and Prayer offers excerpts on those subjects from St. Francis's writings. 12,500 first printing."

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Well-known Christian musician Talbot founded the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, a Franciscan lay order. Here he discusses their way of life, which is based on the ideals of simplicity, service, and love for creation that St. Francis of Assisi inpired. Drawing on insights from the saint's enigmatic life, Talbot encourages readers to pare down the overwhelming demands of modern existence and to distinguish between the needs of interior life and the pull of worldly desires. Readable and filled with concrete suggestions, this is sure to appeal to seekers of a more simple and authentic life.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 255 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Adult; 1 edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525943145
• ISBN-13: 978-0525943143
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #968,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Digs a Little Deeper...Wait, No...a LOT Deeper..., January 30, 2003

By 

Baysuite "Baysuite" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lessons of Saint Francis: How to Bring Simplicity and Spirituality into Your Daily Life (Paperback)

This was simply an excellent book. No other way to put it, really. This book got so far down into me that I felt more aware, more present, more spiritually attuned during the entire time I was reading it. It spoke to me in a quiet and humble way...the way I seem to hear the best. Though I'm not Catholic, I am moved and inspired by the life of St. Francis, and his life is worthy of many books. I have to agree with another reviewer, though. I'm somewhat disappointed that this great man is seen mainly as a "Catholic"...I think if we can take the labels off of some things (and people) others might dare to venture into something they wouldn't have ordinarly. I'm a Christian, but I don't hear much about the life of St. Francis or his teachings from the pulpit of my non-denominational church. Yet I can't help but feel that the messages of this book and the lessons of St. Francis (who sought to be like Christ in every way) could seriously benefit today's Christians, if we open our minds and hearts. This is the kind of book that causes us to examine the kind of religion and Christianity we say we are pursuing. We say we don't love money, but I'm convinced that we work overtime trying to balance our love of God with our love of money. I'm not an extremist, and I'm not saying we've got to give up everything. But the kind of Christianity that promotes "believing God for a Lexus" while our brother goes hungry makes no sense to me whatsoever. I think we have a HUGE responsibility as Christians, and this little book really brought that (and so much more) to life for me.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talbot does it again, a true expression of Franciscan ideals, September 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Lessons of Saint Francis: A Monk's Guide to Daily Life (Hardcover)

Talbot does it again. What he has done in his music for so long, he does in this book: give a lucid expression of the Catholic, specifically Franciscan, life in a way that all seekers of simplicity can be encouraged by. A treasure of practical spirituality!

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual & Practical, August 8, 2004

By 

clappingtrees (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Lessons of Saint Francis: How to Bring Simplicity and Spirituality into Your Daily Life (Paperback)

A down-to-earth book that explains in simple, meaningful and practical terms what it means to cultivate these virtues in our life: Simplicity, Joy, Solitude, Humility, Creativity, Chastity, Community, Compassion, Creation, Service, Peace and Prayer.

For example, practical tips in the chapter on Humility include: "When you are around other people, do you insist on promoting your opinions, driving home your points, and being the last one to talk on an issue? Or are you content to let others have their say without any commentary or criticism from you?"

For deeper impact, try reading this book and listening to the songs in JMT's Wisdom CD (ASIN: B00005OACU) alternately. Be patient and the music in the latter will grow on you. The messages in the songs such as Wisdom, Humility, Discipline (The Easy Yoke), Prayer and The Cross Is Foolishness also dovetail beautifully with the messages in the book.