Jan L. Richardson

In the Sanctuary of Women: a Companion for Reflection and Prayer Jan L. Richardson

The author of the groundbreaking Sacred Journeys returns with a new book that invites us to cross into a sacred space with women from around the world and across the centuries. Jan Richardson, a gifted author, poet, and artist, believes it is essential for women to listen to one another and to bring the fullness of their lives, with all their wonders and messiness, into their life of prayer. This book, Richardson writes, is an invitation to enter into a conversation. Here amongst these pages, in the presence of women past and present, is a place to enter into the mysteries that lie at the heart of who we are. Drawing from the often hidden wellsprings of women s wisdom in Jewish and Christian traditions, In the Sanctuary of Women gathers together six women from scripture and history whose lives invite us to move more deeply into our own: Eve, St. Brigid of Kildare, the Desert Mothers, Hildegard of Bingen, Harriet Powers, and the woman of the Song of Songs. Each chapter becomes its own sanctuary, gracing and engaging the reader with the reflections, stories, poetry, prayers, and blessings that Richardson offers. An invitation into reflection and prayer alone or in the company of others, In the Sanctuary of Women is a book to treasure and to share with the women and the men in your life.