In a culture where hearts are warmed by stories and personalities, rather than theories and propositions, this book is an invitation to share the authors' experience of becoming friends in faith with the saints and mystics.
Those who feature reflect the wide sweep of Christian spiritual heritage: several are from the ancient and Celtic background; several reflect medieval spirituality - including women's spirituality; there are the so-called 'Spanish Mystics', and some from more recent times.
In short chapters which provide a brief summary of each saint's experience of prayer and spirituality, Jill and Nicholas reflect on how the saints have enabled them to grow in insight and maturity. Engagingly, they respond to each other's encounters - focusing particularly on the biblical sources of each saint's spiritual life - to help these voices speak more clearly to all of us. Each chapter concludes with a study guide for individual or group study.
Introductory Comment: Discovering the Mystics
Introductory Comment: Learning the Terrain
1: Patrick and the Ancient Roots of British and Irish faith (inc Columba, Aidan and Hilda)
1b: a Response
2: Voices from the Desert - Desert Fathers and Mothers leading to John Climacus, etc
2b: a Response
Moses
3: Isaac of Nineveh (inc Cuthbert?)
3b: a Response
4: Gertrude the Great: Prayer and the Body (inc Julian of Norwich and Bernard)
4b: a Response
Mary and Martha
5: Richard Rolle: Warmth and Joy
5b: a Response
6: Catherine of Siena: Facing our Limitations
6b: a Response
Elijah
7: Teresa of Avila: the Gifts of the Spirit
7b: a Response
8: John of the Cross: Darkness and Hope
8b: a Response
St Paul
9: Seraphim of Sarov: Simple Faith
9b: a Response
10: The English Poets: Returning Home
10b: a Response
Concluding Reflection
Postface
Suggestions for further reading
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