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The Way of the Desert Elders: How the Wisdom of Ancient Christians Sustains Us Today
232 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 28, 2026
Lisa Colón DeLay is one of my favorite modern contemplative wisdom teachers. I was honored and eager to read an advance copy of this one!
Lisa shares fascinating stories of the ancient desert mothers and fathers, who left the version of Christianity that had become coopted by empire. They moved to the desert, committing to a practice of faith that emphasized solitude, simplicity, service, prayer, and meditation on the scriptures. These stories set the stage for a discussion of each of 9 vices or “afflicting thoughts” (the origins of the 7 deadly sins) and the corresponding virtues. Enneagram folks will recognize the tie between the vices/virtues and the 9 Enneagram types.
The term “sin” carries understandable baggage for some of us who grew up with the doctrines of original sin and total depravity. Colón DeLay explains that for the desert elders, sin wasn’t viewed in a “crime & punishment” framework but was considered part of the vulnerability of being human. (For more discussion on this, check out an interview with Lisa on episode 4 of the Words From Silence Podcast.)
My favorite thing about this book is the depth of wisdom DeLay offers as she follows each of the vices to the root, examining the causes as well as how we can heal so that we may grow and mature. Her writing is clear and attentive to nuance. She is deeply compassionate and thoughtful in inviting us into this vulnerable inner work.
Tending to our inner work is imperative as we discern how we can partner with Love’s restorative work in the world. While the urgency of this moment increases, this book is an invitation to slow down, get quiet, and reflect so that our work in the world might be clearly discerned, grounded, and sustained in love, wisdom, and humility. This book is for anyone who is ready to dive more deeply into shadow work that leads to spiritual growth.
Lisa shares fascinating stories of the ancient desert mothers and fathers, who left the version of Christianity that had become coopted by empire. They moved to the desert, committing to a practice of faith that emphasized solitude, simplicity, service, prayer, and meditation on the scriptures. These stories set the stage for a discussion of each of 9 vices or “afflicting thoughts” (the origins of the 7 deadly sins) and the corresponding virtues. Enneagram folks will recognize the tie between the vices/virtues and the 9 Enneagram types.
The term “sin” carries understandable baggage for some of us who grew up with the doctrines of original sin and total depravity. Colón DeLay explains that for the desert elders, sin wasn’t viewed in a “crime & punishment” framework but was considered part of the vulnerability of being human. (For more discussion on this, check out an interview with Lisa on episode 4 of the Words From Silence Podcast.)
My favorite thing about this book is the depth of wisdom DeLay offers as she follows each of the vices to the root, examining the causes as well as how we can heal so that we may grow and mature. Her writing is clear and attentive to nuance. She is deeply compassionate and thoughtful in inviting us into this vulnerable inner work.
Tending to our inner work is imperative as we discern how we can partner with Love’s restorative work in the world. While the urgency of this moment increases, this book is an invitation to slow down, get quiet, and reflect so that our work in the world might be clearly discerned, grounded, and sustained in love, wisdom, and humility. This book is for anyone who is ready to dive more deeply into shadow work that leads to spiritual growth.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Way of the Desert Elders is a thoughtful and accessible introduction to the wisdom of the desert mothers and fathers, framed in a way that speaks honestly to modern spiritual life. Lisa Colón DeLay brings these ancient figures to life with compassion and realism, presenting them not as distant saints but as complex, flawed people who wrestled with the same inner struggles many of us face today.
What I appreciated most is how grounded this book is. DeLay does not romanticize desert spirituality or suggest it as an escape from the world. Instead, she offers it as a companionable path, one rooted in honesty, discipline, and grace. The inclusion of reflection questions, prayers, and guidance for crafting a rule of life makes this book especially useful for individual readers, small groups, or spiritual formation work.
This is a gentle, wise resource for anyone seeking depth, perspective, and faithful companionship in the midst of modern overwhelm.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
What I appreciated most is how grounded this book is. DeLay does not romanticize desert spirituality or suggest it as an escape from the world. Instead, she offers it as a companionable path, one rooted in honesty, discipline, and grace. The inclusion of reflection questions, prayers, and guidance for crafting a rule of life makes this book especially useful for individual readers, small groups, or spiritual formation work.
This is a gentle, wise resource for anyone seeking depth, perspective, and faithful companionship in the midst of modern overwhelm.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews