Praying with the Desert Mothers by Mary Forman OSB (1-Oct-2005) Paperback

by Mary Forman

The fourth- and fifth-century desert mothers lived the earliest forms of Christian life in the Mediterranean region. Until now, their lives have been little known outside of academic circles. Praying with the Desert Mothers presents the stories and insights of these remarkable spiritual elders, who were known as ammas; that is, women of spiritual insight and direction. The book draws on the wisdom of ancient spiritual practices to provide reflection for prayer and meditation today.

Genres: Religion, Prayer

Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

There isn't much out there on the Desert Mothers. Mary Forman does a great job of bringing their lives and exhortations together in a meaningful and formative way. Each chapter focuses on a different virtue, beginning with a devotional Scripture reading and prayer before getting into the teaching for that particular area. She shares the teaching and example of the desert Ammas along with a contemporary example, often from her own life as a Benedictine. Finally, it closes with a reflective prayer practice based on one's own life experience.

Forman does a great job of not only exemplifying the life and teachings of the Ammas, but also helping you to experience the reality of the practices for yourself.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mary Forman presents stories of the desert mothers according to themes such as Midwives of Wisdom and Heralds in the Desert, along with a contemporary example often from Forman’s own experience in monastic communities. Each chapter begins with a scripture reference and ends with an invitation the spend time in prayer and reflection on the chapter’s theme. I did not always look up the scripture reference nor did I take time to reflect after reading the chapter. Still I found it valuable and a different way to think about the sayings of the desert mothers. Forman’s writing has an amateurish quality to it which I found distracting at first. I wouldn’t go out of my way to acquire this book, but I’m glad I read it. It definitely gave me a hankering for the desert fathers and mothers!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good reflective book. it was a great way to get introduced to desert ammas and have contemporary examples. I didn’t have time to do the post chapter reflections but they could be helpful for those seeking to do that. the introductory prayers are also lovely. would recommend if you want some introductions to early desert ammas

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for class. I had to do a quick reading of it for an assignment, I would have liked to take my time with it and spaced it out. I like the set-up with the mix of ancient and contemporary with reflection questions and prayers

[Sarah Yasin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is scholarly and more serious than others on the topic of Ammas. It contains reflection exercises which are nice, but I feel they take away from the importance of the book.