In the Sanctuary of Women: A Companion for Reflection and Prayer

by Jan L. Richardson

In this sequel to the groundbreaking Sacred Journeys, In the Sanctuary of Women invites us to cross into a sacred space with women from around the world and across the centuries. Jan believes it is essential for women to listen to one another and to bring the fullness of their lives, with all their wonders and messiness, into their prayer lives.

This book, Richardson writes, is an invitation to enter into a conversation. Here amongst these pages, in the presence of women past and present, is a place to enter into the mysteries that lie at the heart of who we are. Drawing from the often-hidden wellsprings of women's wisdom in Jewish and Christian traditions, In the Sanctuary of Women gathers together women from scripture and history whose lives invite us to move more deeply into our own: Eve, St. Brigid of Kildare, the Desert Mothers, Hildegard of Bingen, Harriet Powers, and the woman of the Song of Songs. Each chapter becomes its own sanctuary, gracing and engaging the reader with the reflections, stories, poetry, prayers, and blessings that Richardson offers. An invitation into reflection and prayer alone or in the company of others, In the Sanctuary of Women is a book to treasure and to share with the women and the men in your life.

Genres: Spirituality, Prayer, Poetry, Faith, Nonfiction, Church, Religion

319 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

About the author

Jan is an artist, writer, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She serves as director of The Wellspring Studio, LLC, and travels widely as a retreat leader and conference speaker. Known for her distinctive intertwining of word and image, Jan’s work has attracted an international audience drawn to the welcoming and imaginative spaces that she creates in her books, online blogs, and public events.

A native Floridian several generations over, Jan grew up in Evinston, a small community near the university town of Gainesville. The rural landscape, community traditions (including the annual Evinston Thanksgiving dinner in the park that has been taking place for more than fifty years), and lifelong relationships fostered a rich sense of place, imagination, and ritual that continue to shape Jan's life and infuse her work.

Jan is the Visiting Artist at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, Florida, serves on the faculty of the Grünewald Guild in Washington State, and is part of Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery, a community that draws from Methodist and Benedictine traditions. She makes her home in Central Florida with her husband and frequent collaborator, the singer/songwriter Garrison Doles.

Reviews

[Jody Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I haven not gotten very far in this book (spending way too much time on Facebook), I am so far quite impressed. In the first few chapters the author turns the story of the Garden of Eden on its head and offers a far more complex, soul-satisfying tale. Fans of Annie Dillard and Kathleen Norris might very well appreciate this book.

[Thing Two · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jan starts with Eve and asks the readers to engage the story without the lens of interpretation that has defined the story of the fall of man, an explanation of how sin entered the world. She invites the readers - as women - to trace our own lines of longings, our own reaching, and taking, and tasting, and then travel with Eve to the path that offered her sustenance, thereby finding that which will sustain us.

This book was a God-gift to me at a time when I needed to seek solitude, walk into my own desert and find peace in the loneliness. At every turn of the page, every new daily reading, I gained insight into who God is, and into who I am becoming.

I cannot recommend this book to everyone, but to those who seek a deep spiritual experience, Jan Richardson's book is beautiful!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this "Companion for Reflection and Prayer". Can't count the times I have turned to this book in arranging devotions for a group, or a worship service for church. There are over 20 sticky notes stuck in my copy, marking pages visited and worth visiting again, again, and again.

[Mairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book, full of inspiring prayers and lots of thoughtful wisdom. I would highly recommend.

[Geri Degruy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading this book for several months as a morning reflection. Richardson uses women mystics as a launching pad for meditations on the spiritual life of women in this world. Richardson, a minister, teacher, writer and artist, also delves regularly into the artistic process and how our spirituality informs and motivates creation. I found these brief readings, and especially the blessings, a lovely way to start my day of creativity with heart and spirit.

[Lonnye Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually abandoned this book. So much of Richardson’s book deals with supposition and creative imaginings rather than Biblical teachings. This book did teach me to do more research before succumbing to lovely reviews. And, yes, way too liberal for my taste. I did like the format, though and the poetry is beautiful.

[Jessica Gemeinhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the blessings she writes. We have some differing theological views, so there were some points that I didn't take, but I appreciate many things she says. I always enjoy hearing a woman's voice in this area.

[Paula Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book! As the author says in the introduction, “This book is an invitation to enter into a conversation. Here amongst these pages, in the presence of women past and present, it is a place to enter into the mysteries that lie at the heart of who we are. “

[Trudy Franzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love so much of what Richardson writes. Poetic, deep, accessible, real. Ordinary-yet-holy

[Linda Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jan's writing is so meaningful and always a blessing.

[Eileen McCoskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything I've read by Jan Richardson. I took a long time reading and contemplating this beautiful book. Particularly, I enjoyed the "commentary" on THE SONG OF SONGS (Song of Solomon) as it is a book of the Bible that I've rarely seen studied. I put "commentary" in quotes, though because everything Jan does is touched by her artistic art and voice.

[Raychel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that must be savored. You can't rush through it or else you will miss the beauty in it. I loved so many of the blessings and found I often related to the reflections Jan wrote. The last section, in my opinion, is the best. It's a beautiful book that I know I will turn back to time and time again.

[Kj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have moved this to my ongoing-book list because I am choosing to savor it slowly. Jan Richardson's thoughtful book has been a source of nourishment during a long and difficult year. Her blessings are, indeed, a blessing. Excellent read.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. I read it over many months with "my tribe" and we had great discussions all along with way. The highlights that were made in this book and the blessing after each section are fabulous. Do read!!!

[Candy]

Recommended by a friend. Looking forward to checking it out.

[Sandy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I've marked this read I'm still using it. Love this. Not every reading strikes something in me but most of them do if I spend time with them. This is one of my favorite books of this genre.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this chapter by chapter with a spiritual book group.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jan Richardson the artist already, and now I love Jan Richardson the author. Thought-provoking, intelligent, inspirational.

[Claudia Brogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, Jan's done it again. This is great!

[Emily Klossner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tough read! Although it did have some interesting ideas. Some of the blessings were beautiful!