Desire, Love and the Rule of Saint Benedict

Christians often hope - even expect - their faith will make a radical difference to the way they think and behave. But the truth is that many of us struggle to live up to the very high standards we set ourselves. And when expectations are not fulfilled, disillusionment and frustration can quickly undermine the assurance Christ longs to be ours.Drawing on the Rule of St Benedict, Andrew Clitherow explores our desires in relation to the sometimes unpredictable nature of love, and suggests ways in which we might come to terms with our humanity and divinity. He offers suggestions for practical exercises and prayers to help us reflect on the interplay between desire and love as the basis of a new way of life.This down to earth approach - where love is sought above even institutional concerns - enables us to discard the facade we sometimes hide behind, in order to be ourselves 'in Christ' in a changing church and society.

THE REVD CANON ANDREW CLITHEROW, formerly Director of Training for the Diocese of Blackburn, is Priest-in-Charge of St Cuthbert's and St John's, Lytham, a Canon Residentiary of Blackburn Cathedral and Chaplain to the Queen. He is the author of Into Your Hands, Renewing Faith in Ordained Ministry and Creative Love in Tough Times, all published by SPCK.