Diving for Pearls

This book invites the reader to a spiritual odyssey. It opens before the reader an itinerary for venturing forth with God, aided by the astonishing writings of seventh-century Isaac the Syrian. Long-lost manuscripts have recently been discovered, translated, and published in scholarly works; this book aims to make them accessible to readers who want to experience their wisdom personally and so progress in a spiritual adventure. Isaac’s writings are explored through the lens of his beloved metaphor of diving for pearls, which opens many avenues for reflection and spiritual practice.

This is a book to inspire preachers and teachers on prayer. It will stimulate and offer a resource to spiritual directors and retreat givers, and it provides material ideally suited to quiet days and retreats. A practical resource, it includes questions for individual or group reflection at the end of every chapter and a range of prayer exercises. Above all, it is offered to those who want to leave the shallows and launch out into the deep in their spiritual journey.

Andrew D. Mayes is an international teacher and retreat giver, based in Herefordshire, UK. He has lived for some years in Jerusalem, first as a theological researcher and later as director of courses at St George’s College, where he is an associate professor. Mayes has served as spirituality adviser to the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf and to the Diocese of Chichester, training spiritual directors and resourcing churches. He is an Episcopal priest, a Franciscan, and the author of several books, including the widely acclaimed Beyond the Edge: Spiritual Transitions for Adventurous Souls and Learning the Language of the Soul: A Spiritual Lexicon (Liturgical Press).