Women Pray: Voices through the Ages, from Many Faiths, Cultures, and Traditions

by Monica Furlong (Editor)

The distinctive voices of women at prayer throughout the ages and around the world―compiled by the biographer of Therese of Lisieux. This beautiful book celebrates the rich variety of ways women around the world have called out to the Divine―with words of joy, praise, gratitude, wonder, petition, longing, and even anger―from the ancient world up to our own day. The prayers come from women of nearly every religious or spiritual tradition East and West, including ancient Greeks, Australian Aboriginals, medieval Christian mystics, Native Americans, Jewish poets, and Buddhist nuns. Together they provide an eloquent expression of women's inner lives that will resonate with modern readers, both women and men. Monica Furlong's intriguing commentary and insights make this a book to treasure and share.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2001

About the author

Monica Furlong was a British author, journalist, and activist, regarded as one of the Church of England's most influential and creative laypersons of the post-war period.
Her work often focused on religion and spirituality, with notable biographies of figures such as John Bunyan, Thomas Merton, Thérèse of Lisieux, and Alan Watts. She also explored subjects like the spiritual life of aboriginals, medieval women mystics, and the Church of England. Furlong was also known for her children’s novels, including the Wise Child series, which consists of Wise Child, Juniper, and Colman.
Furlong began her writing career in 1956 as a feature writer for Truth magazine and later worked as a religious correspondent for The Spectator and Daily Mail. She became an advocate for religious reform, particularly supporting women’s rights within the Church of England. In her first book, With Love to the Church (1965), she championed an inclusive Church. She continued to support the ordination of women in the 1980s and pushed for the appointment of women to senior Church positions.
Her autobiography, Bird of Paradise (1995), provides insights into her life and career. Furlong’s controversial experiences with LSD were shared in Travelling In (1971), which was banned from Church of Scotland bookshops. Throughout her career, Furlong wrote extensively on spirituality, reform, and religious figures, becoming a well-respected voice in both religious and literary circles.

Reviews

[Willa Guadalupe Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little book where all sorts of writing count as prayers including prose & poems from all sorts of women both ancient & modern. I received this as gift for my birthday & it was uplifting & cheering, it introduced me to my new favorite Saint; Rabi'a the Mystic, a 9th century Sufi Saint, the first female Islamic saint. I feel blessed that this book came into my life & it has a permanent place on my bookshelf.

[Brenda Asterino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful resource for when you want inspiration, comfort, connections to other women and the commonalities across Faith, Culture, and Traditions.

[Ariel Paz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly poetry from different cultures and traditions.

[Terri Dreismeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though many of the prayers are more like poetry, the inspirational words and wisdom will resonate within my heart and faith. Sometimes we need a book like this at certain times in our life.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that so many of these prayers were poetry and that poets I know well are here in this one little volume.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned that the Western religions have a lot in common with their Eastern counter parts. Though, they would fight you on this one. I also learned that women haven't always been dead headed subserivant animals of burden. There were many women who were learned and way ahead of their time. If you like studying other cultures and faiths than this is your book. But it isn't just a spiritual book it also is a woman's history book.