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All Shall Be Well: A Modern-Language Version of the Revelation of Julian of Norwich
The Modern-Language Translation of the Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich The great spiritual classic by Julian of Norwich is now available in modern, easy-to-comprehend language that stays true to Julian’s original meanings. Her ancient wisdom is as relevant now as it was in the 14th century's world of plague, prejudice, and war. Discover Julian’s joyous affirmation of the certainty of Divine love, a love that overcomes all. "Julian would be pleased with this rendering of the Showings into contemporary English. The even-handed blending here of simple language and the grandeur of Julian's content is flawless; and the happy result is that the Showings slip into our minds and hearts as effortlessly as if the mystic of Norwich were speaking to us herself, face-to-face and soul-to-soul." --Phyllis Tickle, founding editor of Publishers Weekly Religion Department, author of The Great Emergence, How Christianity is Changing and Why; The Words of Jesus, A Gospel of the Sayings of Our Lord; and the Divine Hours series. "Anamchara's All Shall Be Well does for Julian of Norwich what The Message did for the Bible. This paraphrase brings a freshness and vitality to this medieval mystical text that makes its revelation of love come alive. The editors have not been afraid to translate Julian's words in creative and innovative ways, to help readers discover the genius and beauty of her timeless message. This book is a great introduction to Julian's world for those who are new to her writing, but it's full of insight even for those who know her well." --Carl McColman, author of The Big Book of Christian Mysticism
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
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April 21, 2025
This is the fifth volume in the Great Spiritual Teachers series I have read, Last year I read Born to Do This: 30 Days with Joan of Arc by Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, and loved it and the concept of the series. I and studied about Julian both academically and personally; I was excited to work my way through this volume. I picked this as the next in the series to read because of this specific saint, though I do hope to read all that are currently in print and track down the out of print volumes to read as well.
The description of this volume states:
“Drawing deeply from the wisdom writings of medieval English mystic Julian of Norwich, All Will Be Well welcomes even spiritual newcomers to the spirituality of this fourteenth-century visionary who was well ahead of her time.”
About the series we are informed:
“Each book in the Great Spiritual Teachers series provides a month of daily readings from one of Christianity's most beloved spiritual guides. For each day there is a brief and accessible morning meditation drawn from the mystic's writings, a simple mantra for use throughout the day, and a night prayer to focus one's thoughts as the day ends. These easy-to-use books are the perfect prayer companion for busy people who want to root their spiritual practice in the solid ground of these great spiritual teachers.”
The sections in this volume are:
Timeline
Who is Julian of Norwich?
How to Use This Book
Thirty Days with Julian of Norwich
One Final Word
I believe there are 15 volumes in this series currently in print, and a several that are currently out of print. The oldest I have seen are from the mid 90’s and it looks like they went through a rebranding and format change in the mid 00’s, and they have undergone yet another rebranding in the 2020’s including some new titles available in the series. I must admit I do not recall running across this series prior to that first volume on Joan. I have however added a number of them to my ‘to be read list’. I love the most recent rebranding, and hope Ave Maria completes the rebranding across all volumes. But back to this work.
While reading this I only highlighted a few passages, they were:
“As Julian reflected upon her experiences over the years, she became more and more willing to trust them and to use them almost as sacred texts along with the scriptures. Like many mystics her direct experience of God allowed her to correct the dominant spirituality of her day and align the Christian community more with the original revelation of Jesus.”
“She trusted that God was truly revealing himself to her. This leads her not to contradict church teaching, but to refocus the emphasis upon salvation and love rather than on law and justice.”
“God’s courtesy makes God supremely respectful of us, patient with our failings, considerate of our freedom. It makes God incredibly appealing and close to us, as well. How can we not love a God who is so solicitous of us?”
“God will not make people enter the kingdom against their will. But we do not have to believe that anyone has ever made the choice of denying the power of love.”
“Julian may have been an anchoress shut up in a cottage, but that cottage opened upon a walled garden as well as a busy street. The love of creation and human society fills her work. Her joy is contagious; it overflows.”
“We have some suggestions for how you can make the most of this journey. But keep in mind that these books are meant to help you experience the freedom and joy of communing with God in prayer. The daily format is there to help—but don’t hesitate to go at your own pace or take your own route! Repeat a day as often as you like, or skip a day if the reading isn’t resonating with where you are in your journey. The goal is to hear the voice of God through the words of the saints.”
“God our Comforter, show me how you guide me through my life not only in my joys and virtues, but even when I choose wrong paths and am weak. Give us hope that in the midst of denial and darkness, your love still holds us readily and sweetly, guiding us home.”
“Loving Father, I bring to you all my faults and especially my wrath. I see my anger leads to a dreadful failing, a shameful falling, and a sorrowful dying. But in this dying, I trust your mercy to continually work to protect me, even against myself, and to turn everything to good for us.”
“All Through the Day God wants us to trust that he is always with us.”
“Lovely Mother, help me to relax into the state of being a child. Let me rely upon you for my well-being, and make me run to you for comfort. May I feel my helplessness and rejoice in your presence, knowing that you will lift me up into our Father’s bliss.”
“Lord Jesus, I am honored to have you make my spirit your dwelling place. Help me to appreciate your delight in me. May my actions toward my neighbors always mirror your love.”
“Night Prayer Lord, increase my faith and trust in your good intentions for us. Help me to go about my life confident that whatever happens to me will ultimately work out for the best, and help me to praise your goodness in all times and places.”
The last section of the book One Final Word states:
“This book was created to be nothing more than a gateway—a gateway to the spiritual wisdom of a specific teacher, and a gateway opening on your own spiritual path.
You may decide that Julian of Norwich is someone whose experience of God is one that you wish to follow more closely and deeply. In that case, you should get a copy of the entire text of Showings and pray it as you have prayed this gateway retreat.
You may decide that Julian’s experience has not helped you. There are many other teachers. Somewhere, there is the right teacher for your own, very special, absolutely unique journey of the spirit. You will find your teacher; you will discover your path. We would not be searching, as St. Augustine reminds us, if we had not already been found.”
A sample reflection is:
“DAY THIRTEEN
My Day Begins
Our Father’s pity and compassion were for Adam,
his loved creature, when he fell.
His joy and happiness were for his dearly loved Son,
who is equal with the Father.
The merciful gaze of his face
ranged over all the world,
and descended with Adam into hell,
and this unceasing compassing
preserved Adam from eternal death.
This same mercy and compassion abide with us
until we are drawn up to heaven.
But we are blinded in this life,
and cannot behold God, our Father, as God is.
And when out of his kindness
he desires to show himself to us,
he shows himself in great simplicity,
as a human being.
However, I saw quite clearly
that we should not assume
that the Father is a creature.
But his sitting on the bare and wasted earth
means this: God made our spirit
to be his own city and resting place.
Of all creation
this is most pleasing to him.
And when we had fallen into grief and suffering,
we were not suited to that noble office.
But our kind Father
would not ready any other place to dwell.
Instead, he sat upon the ground,
waiting for humanity,
itself mixed with clay,
until such time as through grace,
his beloved son had restored to this city
its noble beauty
through his tremendous labor.
All Through the Day
The merciful gaze of his face ranged over all the world.
My Day Is Ending
God reveals himself to us in the human face and form.
How did you catch a sense of God today
in the people you met?
Call up the image of God,
sitting on the barren ground in exile
awaiting Christ to bring back his city—our spirit.
Join with the longing, passion, and love of God
in this exile.
Simply remain with this image in your heart
for a time.
Let it reveal God’s endless love for humanity
and for you in particular.
Night Prayer
Dearest friend,
help me sense your longing for me.
May your exile from the human spirit
inspire in me an equal desire
for your presence within me.
And I give thanks for Jesus, your son,
who by his hard work,
has brought back your city, my spirit,
into its noble place of beauty.”
I hope those quotes and sample day give you a feel for this book, and this series. I really enjoyed working through this volume. I have enjoyed all 5 in the series I have read, but this and the first have really hit home to me. I will likely do a volume a month over the next year and read all those I can track down. I did enjoy this volume very much.
This is a great book that any Catholic would benefit from reading. I can easily recommend this volume and look forward to reading others in the series.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
The description of this volume states:
“Drawing deeply from the wisdom writings of medieval English mystic Julian of Norwich, All Will Be Well welcomes even spiritual newcomers to the spirituality of this fourteenth-century visionary who was well ahead of her time.”
About the series we are informed:
“Each book in the Great Spiritual Teachers series provides a month of daily readings from one of Christianity's most beloved spiritual guides. For each day there is a brief and accessible morning meditation drawn from the mystic's writings, a simple mantra for use throughout the day, and a night prayer to focus one's thoughts as the day ends. These easy-to-use books are the perfect prayer companion for busy people who want to root their spiritual practice in the solid ground of these great spiritual teachers.”
The sections in this volume are:
Timeline
Who is Julian of Norwich?
How to Use This Book
Thirty Days with Julian of Norwich
One Final Word
I believe there are 15 volumes in this series currently in print, and a several that are currently out of print. The oldest I have seen are from the mid 90’s and it looks like they went through a rebranding and format change in the mid 00’s, and they have undergone yet another rebranding in the 2020’s including some new titles available in the series. I must admit I do not recall running across this series prior to that first volume on Joan. I have however added a number of them to my ‘to be read list’. I love the most recent rebranding, and hope Ave Maria completes the rebranding across all volumes. But back to this work.
While reading this I only highlighted a few passages, they were:
“As Julian reflected upon her experiences over the years, she became more and more willing to trust them and to use them almost as sacred texts along with the scriptures. Like many mystics her direct experience of God allowed her to correct the dominant spirituality of her day and align the Christian community more with the original revelation of Jesus.”
“She trusted that God was truly revealing himself to her. This leads her not to contradict church teaching, but to refocus the emphasis upon salvation and love rather than on law and justice.”
“God’s courtesy makes God supremely respectful of us, patient with our failings, considerate of our freedom. It makes God incredibly appealing and close to us, as well. How can we not love a God who is so solicitous of us?”
“God will not make people enter the kingdom against their will. But we do not have to believe that anyone has ever made the choice of denying the power of love.”
“Julian may have been an anchoress shut up in a cottage, but that cottage opened upon a walled garden as well as a busy street. The love of creation and human society fills her work. Her joy is contagious; it overflows.”
“We have some suggestions for how you can make the most of this journey. But keep in mind that these books are meant to help you experience the freedom and joy of communing with God in prayer. The daily format is there to help—but don’t hesitate to go at your own pace or take your own route! Repeat a day as often as you like, or skip a day if the reading isn’t resonating with where you are in your journey. The goal is to hear the voice of God through the words of the saints.”
“God our Comforter, show me how you guide me through my life not only in my joys and virtues, but even when I choose wrong paths and am weak. Give us hope that in the midst of denial and darkness, your love still holds us readily and sweetly, guiding us home.”
“Loving Father, I bring to you all my faults and especially my wrath. I see my anger leads to a dreadful failing, a shameful falling, and a sorrowful dying. But in this dying, I trust your mercy to continually work to protect me, even against myself, and to turn everything to good for us.”
“All Through the Day God wants us to trust that he is always with us.”
“Lovely Mother, help me to relax into the state of being a child. Let me rely upon you for my well-being, and make me run to you for comfort. May I feel my helplessness and rejoice in your presence, knowing that you will lift me up into our Father’s bliss.”
“Lord Jesus, I am honored to have you make my spirit your dwelling place. Help me to appreciate your delight in me. May my actions toward my neighbors always mirror your love.”
“Night Prayer Lord, increase my faith and trust in your good intentions for us. Help me to go about my life confident that whatever happens to me will ultimately work out for the best, and help me to praise your goodness in all times and places.”
The last section of the book One Final Word states:
“This book was created to be nothing more than a gateway—a gateway to the spiritual wisdom of a specific teacher, and a gateway opening on your own spiritual path.
You may decide that Julian of Norwich is someone whose experience of God is one that you wish to follow more closely and deeply. In that case, you should get a copy of the entire text of Showings and pray it as you have prayed this gateway retreat.
You may decide that Julian’s experience has not helped you. There are many other teachers. Somewhere, there is the right teacher for your own, very special, absolutely unique journey of the spirit. You will find your teacher; you will discover your path. We would not be searching, as St. Augustine reminds us, if we had not already been found.”
A sample reflection is:
“DAY THIRTEEN
My Day Begins
Our Father’s pity and compassion were for Adam,
his loved creature, when he fell.
His joy and happiness were for his dearly loved Son,
who is equal with the Father.
The merciful gaze of his face
ranged over all the world,
and descended with Adam into hell,
and this unceasing compassing
preserved Adam from eternal death.
This same mercy and compassion abide with us
until we are drawn up to heaven.
But we are blinded in this life,
and cannot behold God, our Father, as God is.
And when out of his kindness
he desires to show himself to us,
he shows himself in great simplicity,
as a human being.
However, I saw quite clearly
that we should not assume
that the Father is a creature.
But his sitting on the bare and wasted earth
means this: God made our spirit
to be his own city and resting place.
Of all creation
this is most pleasing to him.
And when we had fallen into grief and suffering,
we were not suited to that noble office.
But our kind Father
would not ready any other place to dwell.
Instead, he sat upon the ground,
waiting for humanity,
itself mixed with clay,
until such time as through grace,
his beloved son had restored to this city
its noble beauty
through his tremendous labor.
All Through the Day
The merciful gaze of his face ranged over all the world.
My Day Is Ending
God reveals himself to us in the human face and form.
How did you catch a sense of God today
in the people you met?
Call up the image of God,
sitting on the barren ground in exile
awaiting Christ to bring back his city—our spirit.
Join with the longing, passion, and love of God
in this exile.
Simply remain with this image in your heart
for a time.
Let it reveal God’s endless love for humanity
and for you in particular.
Night Prayer
Dearest friend,
help me sense your longing for me.
May your exile from the human spirit
inspire in me an equal desire
for your presence within me.
And I give thanks for Jesus, your son,
who by his hard work,
has brought back your city, my spirit,
into its noble place of beauty.”
I hope those quotes and sample day give you a feel for this book, and this series. I really enjoyed working through this volume. I have enjoyed all 5 in the series I have read, but this and the first have really hit home to me. I will likely do a volume a month over the next year and read all those I can track down. I did enjoy this volume very much.
This is a great book that any Catholic would benefit from reading. I can easily recommend this volume and look forward to reading others in the series.
This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
April 6, 2020
I love this little book with quotes from Julian of Norwich, a Christian mystic who wrote about the unconditional love of God and His absolute reassurance to us that in the end, "all shall be well."
February 7, 2010
This book is a short collection of 30-day meditations by Julian of Norwich. Each day has four parts: A short reading of Julian's writing, a single line that is called out for daily meditation, a reflective commentary to be read at the end of the day, and a brief prayer before sleep. I found it easiest to read the full text of each day at once and think back to whichever part was most fitting later.
Julian's writings are definitely the reason for reading. Most of the end-of-day commentaries are obvious and seem to be more filler than anything. The lines picked out for meditation are sometimes helpful, but in many cases I found myself connecting with different things in the writing more. I was never really sure if the nightly prayers were authored by Julian or the editor. Delineations in the text aren't very clear.
The most interesting thing about the book for me was the unique vision Julian has of Christ as "Mother." It evokes some beautiful imagery and some great ideas to ponder. I think the feminine aspects that she explorers would be a fun read for any feminist Christians out there, or women who are looking to find a special, holy place to live their lives in connection with Jesus.
Julian's writings are definitely the reason for reading. Most of the end-of-day commentaries are obvious and seem to be more filler than anything. The lines picked out for meditation are sometimes helpful, but in many cases I found myself connecting with different things in the writing more. I was never really sure if the nightly prayers were authored by Julian or the editor. Delineations in the text aren't very clear.
The most interesting thing about the book for me was the unique vision Julian has of Christ as "Mother." It evokes some beautiful imagery and some great ideas to ponder. I think the feminine aspects that she explorers would be a fun read for any feminist Christians out there, or women who are looking to find a special, holy place to live their lives in connection with Jesus.
December 27, 2021
Loved this devotional series. I read it alongside her Revelations of Divine Love. Amazing way to start each day and go deeper in spirituality
July 12, 2019
So. Good, y'all. Instead of picking the closest modern English cognates for Julian's original Middle English, the authors have gone with thoughtful choices that deliberately avoid words that subsequently became standard English Christian vocabulary. The result is a vibrant and appropriately surprising text that engages in spectacular fashion.
If you're not moved by Christian approaches to spirituality, this may not work for you. But it might - one of the advantages of this is that it's unlike the theology or exegesis that you might have been left cold by before. This reads more like Buddhist meditations in terms of style, and you don't need to know a ton about Christianity to get the idea.
I found the commentary introducing each chapter to be a little distracting, but again, YMMV. If you don't happen to know a lot about Norwich in the 1380s, maybe it'll give much needed context.
My Middle English isn't nearly good enough for me to comment on the quality of the translation, and I didn't even look to try.
If you're not moved by Christian approaches to spirituality, this may not work for you. But it might - one of the advantages of this is that it's unlike the theology or exegesis that you might have been left cold by before. This reads more like Buddhist meditations in terms of style, and you don't need to know a ton about Christianity to get the idea.
I found the commentary introducing each chapter to be a little distracting, but again, YMMV. If you don't happen to know a lot about Norwich in the 1380s, maybe it'll give much needed context.
My Middle English isn't nearly good enough for me to comment on the quality of the translation, and I didn't even look to try.
May 16, 2010
So I'm fascinated by the person of Julian of Norwitch; I've found her quotes in all sort of diverse authors. Thus, I wanted to find out more about her. This piece of junk gave me literally none of her work. It is her work, interpreted for "spiritual meditation" (read: non-biblical feel-good contemplation) and put into some pseudo-poetry in an attempt at seeming deep. Pound said something about how "prose chopped into line lengths does not a poem make" and this reinforces it.
Really, really poor. I'm upset at having spent money and time on it.
Really, really poor. I'm upset at having spent money and time on it.
April 28, 2021
This was good until it started talking about Mother Jesus. While I admit that He has the qualities of a good mother, I cannot call Him mother. That's the point I stopped reading. There is nothing Biblical in calling Jesus my mother.
April 17, 2013
This is an excellent devotional/meditation selection.
Read
September 8, 2016Interesting but I'll probably seek out the real text of her works
September 14, 2016
This pairs very well with a glass of Chardonnay.
December 13, 2021
Took me an embarrassingly long time to finish. When I started, 30 Days seemed bite-sized and manageable-- and yet! I tried so hard to do the book the way it was laid out, with multiple investments throughout a single day, but as a mom of 3 young kids, I found my time getting away from me. I decided that *some* investment was better than *none*, so I played around with the routine and readings until I finished. Sometimes I found that the highlighted mantra for the day was a curious choice, so very different from a line or phrase that had jumped out at me. I usually kept to whatever the recommended one was, but I'd love to do this again, using my own contemplations for the daily mantra.
This was the third Julian-centered book I finished this year, and once again I delight in the revelations and wisdom she shares.
Despite my struggles with my routine, I love the structure of this book & am definitely interested in trying others in this 30 Days with a Great Spiritual Teacher series.
This was the third Julian-centered book I finished this year, and once again I delight in the revelations and wisdom she shares.
Despite my struggles with my routine, I love the structure of this book & am definitely interested in trying others in this 30 Days with a Great Spiritual Teacher series.
August 8, 2024
I so admire Julian of Norwich. She was a totally amazing woman- so far ahead of her time.
I found this delightful book years ago. It's divided into 30 days of reading and meditation on those readings. But I decided to just plough through it - all in one reading.
The thing I like about this book is that each day is divided into sections. There is the reading for the day - then there there is a 'Meditation of the Day' - to ponder on those words during the day. This is followed by a 'My Day is Ending' meditaion - which is then followed by a 'Night Prayer.
All in all - this is a delightful and soul searching book - meant to be read over and over again.
August 7, 2024 addenda:
I discovered quite by accident that I had purchased this book on December 5, 1998 at my fave used book store - Gray Wolf Books - in San Leandro, California. I found the receipt for the book as I was moving it. I loved that book store and ended up working there for May years. Sadly Gray Wolf Books is long gone. But as I re-read each daily section, I shall also be thinking of the wonderful days that I worked at that store.
Pax
I found this delightful book years ago. It's divided into 30 days of reading and meditation on those readings. But I decided to just plough through it - all in one reading.
The thing I like about this book is that each day is divided into sections. There is the reading for the day - then there there is a 'Meditation of the Day' - to ponder on those words during the day. This is followed by a 'My Day is Ending' meditaion - which is then followed by a 'Night Prayer.
All in all - this is a delightful and soul searching book - meant to be read over and over again.
August 7, 2024 addenda:
I discovered quite by accident that I had purchased this book on December 5, 1998 at my fave used book store - Gray Wolf Books - in San Leandro, California. I found the receipt for the book as I was moving it. I loved that book store and ended up working there for May years. Sadly Gray Wolf Books is long gone. But as I re-read each daily section, I shall also be thinking of the wonderful days that I worked at that store.
Pax
August 4, 2020
Originally published as part of the Great Spiritual Teachers series in 1995 & revised in 2008, this is a well-done paraphrase of selected texts from Julian of Norwich's Showings/Revelations of Divine Love. Each of 30 selections is accompanied by a catch-phrase from the text as a reminder through the day; some questions for end of the day reflections; and a night prayer. It's a ideal book for anyone not familiar with Julian & an inspiration to read the full Showings.
July 26, 2019
Guide to meditation using writings of Julian of Norwich. Gives a good format for spending a little time with one of the leading mystics of Christianity, but if you want to dig deeper, you'll need supplemental materials, such as her actual writings.
Still, if you're wondering if you'd like her work, this is a good start.
Still, if you're wondering if you'd like her work, this is a good start.
June 16, 2020
This was my first experience in reading Julian of Norwich.What I found amazing about Julian's writing is the progressive nature of her theological thoughts; referring to Jesus as "mother" is not only progressive for the 14th century, but for current Christians and theologians. There is much too learn from her wisdom.
July 12, 2025
I did the 30 day devotional “Let Nothing Disturb You” because I discovered that beautiful prayer. I followed it with this because I enjoy the mystic perspective. The first resonated with where I am in my spiritual journey. I liked the final note alluding to some will resonate more, some less. It may be different later. I really like the format and deep thoughts.
July 8, 2018
I enjoyed these excerpts of her writing, and it did whet my appetite to read more. She certainly did have some profound ideas that have given me a lot to think about—the concept of Christ as mother, the creation/non-creation of souls, etc.
May 21, 2017
A clear view of Julian of Norwich
April 24, 2020
Pure faith, love, endless hope and Amazing Grace.
July 30, 2021
My lockdown 2020 calming read.
August 6, 2021
“So faith and hope lead us to love and in the end, all will be love.”
March 11, 2024
A grace filled message.
June 1, 2024
Li julian norwich em theology esse semestre e esses 30 dias de leitura foram muito bons
February 13, 2017
4.5 Stars
October 7, 2012
Though I am not yet finish with this book, I find it quite nice to have rhis 30-day reflections on the prayers and words of Julian of Norwich. It is interesting to note that these reflections anyone can relate too considering how many years have passed since of this writing by Julian of Norwich (1342-1423).
Currently reading
January 24, 2009A great resource for inspiration when feeling overwelmed.
November 14, 2012
wonderful
March 15, 2016
An excellent set of thoughts prayers and questions set out on a 30 day cycle. Draws from the revelations of Julian of Norwich during May 1373.
February 8, 2022
Ik vraag me af of theologie nog mooier kan dan dit.
March 26, 2024
A great read for Lenten season.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews