Praise for the Book

"If a book can indeed shelter the soul awhile and hold it close in beauty and peace, nurture and devotion, then this book most certainly does. It is, just as its title says, a sanctuary, a wayside station of prayer, and a site of worship for those blessed enough to enter here."

—Phyllis Tickle, Compiler, The Words of Jesus—A Gospel of the Sayings of Our Lord

"This refreshing resource widens the mind, deepens the heart, and strengthens the soul of spirituality. Richardson skillfully takes us to the edge and then brings us back to the core of spirituality. This book contains marvelous treasure."

—Joyce Rupp, Author of numerous best-selling books, including Open the Door: A Journey to the True Self

"To enter the Sanctuary of Women with Jan Richardson is to risk deep transformation, proof that this book is a God-gift. It journeys into the daunting spiritual landscapes traversed by those brave enough to wrestle with God's heart at close quarters. These womanly wisdoms are richly varied in their topography, but in each—whether scripture's surprising Eve or Celtic Brigid or a Desert Mother or an emancipating Sojourner Truth or Jan herself—is a wellspring of reflection and prayer dug very deep."   

—Peter Storey, Former bishop, Methodist Church of Southern Africa

"Desert ammas, medieval mystics, women quiltmakers and creative artists, biblical women from Eve to the beloved in the Song of Songs, as well as women working for justice: all these provide Jan Richardson with fodder for the fresh and sometimes unexpected reflections she has gathered into In the Sanctuary of Women. Through prayers and poetry, theological reflection and storytelling, Richardson opens up the rich possibilities of each day. Not your common prayer companion, Richardson will provoke thought and provide insight for any adventurous spiritual seeker."  

—Wendy M. Wright, PhD, Professor of Theology, Creighton University

"Here is a feast of spirit in which each word is born from hunger and satiated with delight. Jan yet again has provided a delicious reflection to lead men as well as women to our 'secret room' and beyond."  

 —Alexander J. Shaia, PhD, author of The Hidden Power of the Gospels: Four Questions, Four Paths, One Journey