I wonder how many of you have read the spiritual writings of John Main? Main effectively put the desert tradition of prayer to work in our own day. His work continues in the ‘World Community for Christian Meditation’, an organisation based on the contemplative need of the church. Main was a great spiritual teacher and, as a Benedictine monk became a great influence on so many people worldwide. He wanted to share his spiritual insights with those who followed him and he wrote a whole series of letters. These letters contain much spiritual wisdom and insight into the needs of the world and of people in general. The letters can be read as a whole chapter by chapter, or dipped into when the need arises – either way they provide some wonderful insights into the issues which face us every day. They are based on experience rather than just theory, the experience gained by one who has been through the experience of wanting others to share in the prayer life he led.