Ruth Burrows: Essential Writings

⭐Advance Praise and Reviews ⭐

 “Ruth Burrows is one of the most challenging and deep exponents in our time of the Carmelite tradition —and indeed of the fundamental gospel perspective.”—Rowan Williams

“Ruth Burrows is one of the great spiritual writers of our time.”—James Martin, SJ

"A well-distilled review of a prolific author... offers an in-depth survey of her best writings from throughout her career." — Patheos Contemplative Reading Guide 

"Shows how Carmelite spirituality remains vibrant, active, and profoundly deeply relevant in our generation." — Patheos Spirituality Feature

"Arranged around the core idea that the spiritual life is a gift... this anthology beautifully captures how human poverty and basic limitations, when embraced, can plunge us into deep Trinitarian depths." — Carmelite Spirit Network & Patheos Review  

"An essential introduction to one of the most important Carmelite authors of our time. Michelle Jones beautifully compiles Burrows’s insights, making her profound post-Vatican II mystical theology accessible to a wider readership." — The Gospel Mysticism Research Portal 

* A Catholic Press Association Book Award Winner  *

Ruth Burrows is the pen name of Sister Rachel, OCD, a nun in the Carmelite monastery in Quidenham, England, and the author of more than a dozen books on prayer and the mystical life. Describing the central theme that runs throughout her work, she writes: “God offers himself in total love to each one of us. Our part is to open our hearts to receive the gift.” That theme is reflected in the writings assembled here, beginning with her personal discovery of the gift of God; the gift of God to each person; the realization that we are created to receive God’s gift; and the call to open ourselves to this gift and to be transformed into the gift of God for others.

Michelle Jones is a lecturer in theology at the Australian Institute of Theological Education. She is the author The Gospel Mysticism of Ruth Burrows: Going to God with Empty Hands (ICS Publications).