In the Sanctuary of Women

The soft, melodic story of women in scripture unfolds through prayers and reflections crafted by Jan Richardson, a gifted poet, artist, and author. Richardson believes it is essential for women to listen to one another's wisdom and bring the fullness of their lives, with all their wonders and messiness, into their prayer life. Each of the 6 chapters highlights a woman of faith from Jewish or Christian history: Eve, Brigid of Kildare, the desert mothers, Hildegard of Bingen, Harriet Powers (an emancipated slave and talented quiltmaker), and the bride in the Song of Solomon. The 31 readings in each chapter feature Richardson's musings on the woman from history, interwoven with her own stories, occasional poetry, beautiful prayers, and a closing blessing. Midway through each chapter, a section called 'The Secret Room' gives the reader a chance to pause and reflect on unexpected insights. Readers may choose to complete one reading a day or dip into them at their own pace. If they do one reading a day, this book will carry them through six months. For individual or group study.