The Desert Mothers : Spiritual Practices From the Women of the Wilderness

A historical and enlightening introduction to Desert Mothers and the wise spiritual lessons we can glean from their lives, trials and tribulations, and writings. At the dawn of Christianity, holy women went into the wilderness of the desert of Northern Egypt to give themselves totally to lives of prayer. Explore the unique spirituality of Desert Mothers, and learn ways to apply their wisdom today. "The Desert Mothers are often overshadowed by the better-known Desert Fathers, but these women who went into the wilderness to pursue deep prayer deserve to be heard. Mary Earle has taken nine concise sayings from Desert Mothers and explore them in original ways."—Frederica Mathewes-Green, author, columnist, and speaker "Mary Earle is a modern-day Desert Mother, and we are fortunate, indeed, for her introduction to Desert Amma's ancient wisdom, and for her gentle guidance on ways to incorporate that wisdom into contemporary spiritual practices."—Debra K. Farrington, author of Hearing with the Heart: A Gentle Guide to Discerning God's Will for Your Life At the dawn of Christianity, holy women went into the wilderness of the deserts of northern Egypt to give themselves totally to lives of prayer. An Episcopal priest and retreat leader explores the spirituality of these little known fourth-century "desert mothers," inviting readers to learn to apply their ancient wisdom today Includes summaries of the thoughts and spiritual approaches of the Desert Mothers, along with spiritual practices based on their writings.