Drinking from a Dry Well

by Thomas H. Green

Fr. Green returns to the "dry well" to explore the dryness and help readers discover how to live gracefully while "drinking from a dry well of prayer."

Genres: Spirituality, Prayer

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1991

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Green is a Catholic Spiritual Director who served for many years in the Philippines. This work is a sequel to When the Well Runs Dry.

The primary focus is on applying the writings of John of the Cross (Dark Night of the Soul) and Ignatius Loyola (Spiritual Exercises) to those moments in our spiritual journey when we traverse difficult stretches that expose our inner selves. John of the Cross is an example of the contemplative approach to intimacy through the dark times. Ignatius is an example of the apostolic (the action oriented) approach.

I found the book to be very probing of those spiritual dynamics that often intimidate us but are ultimately necessary for deep intimacy with Jesus. Learning to trust in moments when God seems silent is something that all mature believers must face. Continuing in prayerful pursuit of the Savior when the prayers seem dry is another common theme of those who have climbed great heights in their spiritual journeys.

If your appetite is for something more than the simplistic notions on abiding that pervade much of our devotional shelves then this book will be enriching for you. The voice is very pastoral and pondering. The subject matter is critical to the disciple who wants to drink deeply of God's presence.

[Tricia Bolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives a good understanding of spiritual dryness in prayer and how to approach it through the wisdom and experience of great saints such as Teresa of Avila and Ignatius of Loyola. Your prayer life will be enriched by this read as well as your ability to guide others when they experience spiritual dryness, especially in the recognition that it is a necessary stage in your spiritual growth towards a much deeper faith and trust in God that will ultimately whether any storm or desert. God bless.

[Adam Shaeffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neil Gaiman once described GK Chesterton as "a man who knew things." I would describe Thomas Green the same way.

[Ali Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful for understand the human condition that is the dark night of the soul. I wonder how many with depression could read this with faith and find some peace when staring into the darkness. God never leaves us, we must learn to sit in the silence and listen for his presence.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Green calls on the writings of St. John of the Cross and St. Ignatius Loyola to explore maturity in the spiritual life which is usually characterized by aridity. My complaint was that it needed to be longer. 3.5 stars

[Ann Yeong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceedingly helpful book for those seeking to mature in their prayer and apostolic lives. Greene is totally honest without being harsh about the challenges that await all who desire to grow in God's friendship. He also gives an excellent explanation and synthesis of both Carmelite and Ignatian spiritualities and how the two complement each other in the life of the mature pray-er apostle.

I highly recommend the entire prayer series by Thomas Greene - Opening to God, When the Well Runs Dry, and Drinking From A Dry Well.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed that this book was a little more about action than prayer, a little more about St. Ignatius and his Exercises than St. John of the Cross and his theology of the dark night. Otherwise, a good read.