Lectio Divina―The Sacred Art: Transforming Words & Images into Heart-Centered Prayer

Christine Valters Paintner

SkyLight Paths Publishing

Desert Fathers and Mothers: Early Christian Wisdom Sayings―Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations)

Timeless and contemplative sayings from the earliest Christian sages of desert spirituality can be a companion on your own spiritual journey.
The desert fathers and mothers were ordinary Christians living in solitude in the deserts of Egypt, Palestine, Syria and Arabia who chose to renounce the world in order to deliberately and individually follow God's call. They embraced lives of celibacy, labor, fasting, prayer and poverty, believing that denouncing material goods and practicing stoic self-discipline would lead to unity with the Divine. Their spiritual practice formed the basis of Western monasticism and greatly influenced both Western and Eastern Christianity.
Their writings, first recorded in the fourth century, consist of spiritual advice, parables and anecdotes emphasizing the primacy of love and the purity of heart. Focusing on key themes of charity, fortitude, lust, patience, prayer and self-control, the Sayings influenced the rule of St. Benedict and have inspired centuries of opera, poetry and art.
This probing and personal SkyLight Illuminations edition opens up their wisdom for readers with no previous knowledge of Western monasticism and early Christianity. It provides insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that describes historical background, explains the practice of asceticism and illustrates how you can use their wisdom to energize your spiritual quest.

Religion & Spirituality

Christian Books & Bibles

SkyLight Paths

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Christine Valters Paintner. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Christine Valters Paintner

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Christine Valters Paintner. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Lectio Divina―The Sacred Art: Transforming Words & Images into Heart-Centered Prayer

Desert Fathers and Mothers: Early Christian Wisdom Sayings―Annotated & Explained (SkyLight Illuminations)