the Cloud, Night, Fire and Song: With Mystics in School of Prayer

Mystics, from John of the Cross and Julian of Norwich to Teresa of Avila and Francis of Assisi lived through climate change, plague, wars and persecutions. Drawing on imagery used by the mystics to make sense of their own landscapes, Charlie Cleverly invites us to let their spiritual practice shape our prayer lives in our own perplexing times. From climate upheaval and plagues to war and persecution, the great Christian mystics – John of the Cross, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila, Francis of Assisi, and others – lived through deeply turbulent times. Yet out of these crucibles emerged profound spiritual insight and rich traditions of prayer. In The Cloud, The Night, The Fire and the Song, Charlie Cleverly draws on the vivid imagery these mystics used to navigate their spiritual landscapes – symbols that continue to speak into the confusion and weariness of our own day. With insight and warmth, he invites us to listen to their voices and draw from their wisdom. Whether it’s encountering God in mystery with the Cloud of Unknowing, learning to pray through darkness with John of the Cross, experiencing fire with Blaise Pascal or rediscovering the sacred power of melody with Richard Rolle, The Cloud, The Night, The Fire and the Song offers spiritual companionship for the journey of faith in our uncertain times.