40-Day Journey with Julian of Norwich

by Lisa E. Dahill

The volumes in the 40-Day Journey series invite readers to take a spiritual journey with a great spiritual guide from the past or the present. In this volume, readers will be inspired by Julian, a celebrated English mystic from the fourteenth century and a recluse at St. Julian s Church in Norwich, whose writings were the first works in English known to be written by a woman.
Drawing from her published writings, editor Lisa Dahill here selects forty inspiring passages from Julian's work that help illustrate God's love and compassion for all. A medieval Catholic, Julian was seen as a precursor to Martin Luther and other Reformation writers. Much of what she wrote speaks of the most profound mysteries of the Christian faith, and her Sixteen Revelations of Divine Love (circa 1393) is considered to be one of the most remarkable documents of medieval religious experience. In it she speaks of the great love of God for God s people and how sin stands in the way. It is Jesus, however, who assures her, that all would be well, and all manner of things would be well.

40-Day Journey with Julian of Norwich begins with a short introduction to the life of Julian and then offers forty chapters, each of which includes a reading from her writings, related Scripture passages, questions to ponder, journal-reflection exercises, and a prayer. The book also includes helps on how to use the book and hints on keeping a journal along with ideas for further reading. Each chapter in the book includes space for notes.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my devotional book for Lent. Unfortunately, it took me much longer to finish this than it should have. This is no Julian of Norwich's fault nor the editor. The book was excellent. I just don't always make time for my devotions. Not good, just reality.

Augsburg Press has published a number of these 40-Day Journey books. If this one with Julian is indicative of the series, they will all be wonderful. The passages by the author (Julian of Norwich in this case) are short enough to think through during devotions. The Bible passages tie in well and add to your devotion.

I found all the questions and ideas for journaling to be inspiring. Some days I wrote for pages.

All in all, I found this to be an excellent introduction to Julian of Norwich.

[Katherine Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. You can do this in 40 days, but then you'll have to start over and take another 40 days to do it again. So much rich material. Such thoughtful questions. Sometimes it speaks to you right away and sometimes it sneaks up on you and hits you later. This is good stuff. Read it.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this devotional. It is rich and deep, yet more readable that Julian's texts on their own. I have never successfully journaled in my life, and this book actually got me to do it, and it was helpful. The quotes from Julian, the accompanying Psalm or other verse, and the questions to ponder and to which to respond - it worked for me. Highly recommend.

[Francine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of a 40-Day Journey series which includes Joan Chittester and Parker J. Palmer (both favorites of mine). The mystic, anchorite Julian lived 1342-1416 (roughly, nothing is known absolutely); even her name comes from the church she was attached to at the time of her death.
This mysterious sainted woman left us her writing about her visions of Jesus; this we know for certain.

Good to follow alone or with a partner or small group.

Recommended.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

really great journaling book! Thought provoking and inspiring. A friend went through this with me - her suggestion - and I'm glad she did!

[Kara Vehar · Rating 5 out of 5]

for my first time reading a book like this I liked it.