Monastic Practice & Horarium
A life shaped by prayer, community, and presence.
Monastic life at Glastonbury Abbey follows the quiet wisdom of the Rule of St. Benedict. It invites a balanced way of living—prayer that anchors the day, work that serves the community, and silence that opens the heart to God. This steady rhythm, practiced for centuries, remains a source of renewal for all who come here.
Six Monastic Practices
Prayer
The monks turn to God throughout the day—gathering for the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours, and returning often to quiet personal prayer that rests in God’s presence.
Service
Prayer flows outward in hospitality and service. This care takes shape in retreats, the Abbey Center, the bookstore, spiritual direction, and outreach to those who are materially vulnerable.
Lectio Divina and Study
Through slow, prayerful reading of Scripture and ongoing study, they cultivate a listening heart and a mind open to wisdom.
Chaste and Sincere Love of Each Other
Life together calls for respect, kindness, and mutual care—companions, like brothers, on a shared spiritual path.
Silence
Shared silence creates space for reflection and prayer. Certain hours of the day are kept still so the community can listen more deeply to God.
Simplicity of Life
Simplicity expresses trust in God. By choosing to live without excess, the monks focus on what truly matters.
Horarium: The Rhythm of the Hours
Life at Glastonbury Abbey moves through a gentle pattern of communal prayer, personal prayer, sacred reading, and daily work. The Liturgy of the Hours and lectio divina—slow, attentive reading of Scripture—give the day its shape. Monks and guests alike are invited to seek Christ’s presence in each moment.
The horarium is not a strict timetable but a way of meeting the day with reverence. Prayer, work, reflection, and rest form a simple, steady rhythm that grounds the community. In this pattern, silence has room to speak, Scripture becomes a daily companion, and prayer becomes a way of living with openness and welcome.
A short video beside this section offers a further glimpse into the Abbey’s prayer life.
Join the Community in Prayer
Visitors are welcome to join the monks for prayer in the Abbey Church. Many find peace in sharing the Hours with the community. Whether you come often or only once, you are held in their prayer.
A brief outline of the Hours is listed to the side for those who wish to see how this rhythm takes form.
Liturgy of the Hours
6:30 am — Vigils (Prayer of Dawn)
7:45 am — Lauds (Morning Prayer)
12:00 pm — Eucharist
5:15 pm — Vespers (Evening Prayer)
7:45 pm — Compline (Night Prayer)