Dying for Pearls

In the company of Isaac, and Mayes's sensitive interpretation of his work, readers are invited to 'quit the shoreline' and be drawn out into the depths where an authentic and honest encounter with God becomes possible. Cistercian Studies Quarterly I was introduced to the works of Isaac the Syrian by Dr. Mayes and this material, and it led me into a deeper experience of prayer and of God that I had ever known before. I come back to exploring and resting in the ocean depths of God time and again, and am enlivened every time I apply Isaac's insights to my prayers. This book invites constant study, and constant application--I am immeasurably richer for it. Revd. Roy Shaw; Bishop's External Spiritual Director for the Archdeaconry of Cyprus Isaac the Syrian, who lived in the 7th century, is a writer who has the remarkable gift of being able to speak directly and relevantly over the centuries. In this splendidly imaginative presentation, Dr. Andrew Mayes offers an excellent guided tour to different aspects of his teaching on the spiritual life. Sebastian Brock, Oriental Institute, Oxford University The book began with the author's teaching in Bahrain, where for centuries the country's economy was based on pearl fishing. Isaac's pearling imagery resonates with us in our modern and postmodern world with wisdom, freshness, and depth. Canon Andrew Mayes makes the writings of this Gulf saint beautifully accessible for the wider contemporary Church, for both individual reflection and group study. Christopher Butt, formerly Dean, St. Christopher's Cathedral Bahrain The treasures to be found in these pages are many. Mayes's deep thought-provoking 'questions for reflection' and imaginative 'prayer exercises' are suitable for individual readers, an excellent resource for spiritual directors, and helpful for supervision. For retreat leaders there is the gift of outlines for use of this material in quiet day and retreat settings. Dive away! Maggie Le-Roy, Retreats Facilitator, Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf