Before the Living God

by Ruth Burrows, Rowan Williams (Introduction)

Ruth Burrows is a Carmelite nun, and the author of three outstanding books on prayer - "Essence of Prayer", "Guidelines for Mystical Prayer" and "Interior Castle Explored" (all published by Continuum).This book is her autobiography - the account of a life empty of outward incident after her early years, but rich with her own spiritual growth. She writes of the Christian's relationship with others and with God, of prayer, of the life of the Spirit. She presents these ideals in no abstract way, but in the intimately personal terms of one individual's- her own- struggle to live them to the full.

Genres: Religion

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Philip]

Ruth Burrows is a British Carmelite sister. This is her autobiography, covering both her childhood, growing up in a pre-Vatican II family, and her entry into Carmel. She would eventually become a prioress.

The book is notable for its honesty. She manages, after many struggles, to gain great insights into her situation and all the obstacles to true union with God. Her experiences, while she is too humble to describe them as such, mirror the desert-like conditions described so well by St. John of the Cross in his classic Dark Night of the Soul.

This work would be encouraging for those who sense their own weaknesses and those of the people in their communities, and who experience prolonged periods of spiritual dryness. It would be particularly helpful for anyone who is considering entering a cloistered community, but would be equally illuminating for many lay people as well.

[Ann Yeong]

I would not have been interested in reading Ruth Burrow's autobiography if I had not read two of her books, "Essence of Prayer" and "To Believe in Jesus". It may be hard to believe that these books with such deep spiritual insight were written by a Carmelite sister who 'cannot pray' and 'cannot feel the presence of God' for most of her life. Sr Ruth is frank and candid in her autobiography - generously so. She tells her life like it is, with no attempt to paint what would be imagined as an appropriate picture for someone with her vocation. Her readers are greatly indebted to her for this honesty. For here is again living proof that true faith transcends, indeed can thrive apart from, pious feelings and tangible experiences. Sr Ruth's life story encourages me to take hope in my own shadows and painful emotional/psychic struggles, knowing that everything can be made beautiful and that I can stand unashamedly - unworthy that I am - before The Living God who loves me.

[Rosemary]

Loved it! She writes so simply but better than anyone else I've ever read in this genre "I get" what she's saying.

[Paul LaGreca]

Ruth Burrows (her pen name) was a cloistered Carmelite nun (Sister Rachel) in a convent in England. This remarkable book offers unique and sometimes gob-smacking realizations that will change one's spiritual trajectory.

"Before the Living God" is an autobiographical account that follows her life from entry into religious life, her struggles, loneliness, depression, and ultimately her triumph (dying at 100 years old and remaining a committed nun to the end). It is written from the heart and for anyone who has been in religious life, there is much to relate to. Her perseverance and her love for God is heroic.

How I needed to read this book! As the saying goes, "The teacher always appears when the student is ready!" Highly recommend.

[Brendan]

It's difficult to know how to review this. After reading it is clear that contemplation reveals many avenues through which we can be tempted to prioritize comfort or lust after that which we do not have. The book is an encouraging testimony of how to give all to Christ and to be confident in Christ without assurance.

[Judith]

I found this compelling reading & read it quite quickly. I am going to have to go back & re-read it, much slower, to make sure I take it in. There are things in here worth really thinking about. I am also going to have to read at least one of the books she’s written on prayer.

[Maya Senen]

Ruth Burrows recounts her days becoming a nun at Carmel in a loving and transparent contemplation of the pursuit of a relationship with God.

[Hugh]

A perfectly interesting account of an interesting life. Robust in its self disclosures and unsentimental in its piety.

[Br Elliott]

So much of this relates to my own spiritual life so far, very inspiring and encouraging. I would definitely re-read this book