Letters from Nazareth: A Contemplative Journey Home

by Richard Carter

The Nazareth Community, based at London’s St Martin in the Fields, is a contemplative community patterned on monastic life for people from all walks of life. Its rule has seven guiding spiritual Silence, Service, Scripture, Sacrament, Sharing, Sabbath Time and Staying. Founded by Richard Carter in 2018, it now draws members from across the country and from overseas. Letters are a classic genre of spiritual writing and Richard has written a monthly spiritual letter to the Community since its inception. Collected here, his letters aim to encourage readers to live out a simple rule of life, to reflect, pray and live with compassion despite the challenges of modern life. Rich in biblical reflection, poetic meditation and practical guidance for living in demanding times, Letters from Nazareth abounds in simple yet profound wisdom for our world today.

160 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2023

Reviews

[Michael King · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say. This is one of the most beautiful contemplative works I have read. It inspires. it convicts. It provokes. Carter weaves together, stories, contemplations and scriptural expositions into a beautiful tapestry of praise and grace. I think my experience of the book was made stronger by having attended St-Martin-in-the-Fields for the service marking the anniversary of the Sunday International Group and hearing the testimonies of lives changed and hearing Father Richard preach. In the evening I returned for a contemplative Taizé service led by Carter and it was a powerful experience. At least at first glance, Richard Carter seems to be in-person who he reveals himself to be in these pages and that conviction and authenticity is an apologetic for the Gospel all by itself.

[Nina Tweddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly lovely book. I have read it slowly, savouring each letter and only reading one or two a week. I didn't want it to end.

This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time and be read often.

[Kate Brumby · Rating 5 out of 5]

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