THE wilderness is where, in all faith traditions, we go to encounter God. Moses on Mount Sinai, the Buddha in the forest of India, and the prophet Muhammad in a cave on Mount Hira — all found their messages in their own different deserts; and the ministry of Jesus began with temptation in the desert.

Here, we are taken on a journey of discovery of the Christian tradition around ten different wildernesses, beginning in Australia, before going to Sinai and Galilee and the deserts across the Middle East, and ten finishing in China and in New Mexico. Andrew Mayes describes his own visits to these deserts and gives extracts from the travel diaries of early explorers to show how the beauty and wonder of these remote places impressed them. Then, he introduces the hermits and others who have lived and prayed there, and shows how their writings open fresh approaches to the spiritual life.

These are vividly shown in passages from their writings. While these wildernesses might seem remote from us, the wisdom of this tradition speaks to our own uncertainties and questions; and so a set of discussion and reflection questions are added at the end of each chapter to help us to engage with struggles of the wilderness-dwellers and make them our own. This is a journey of exploration on several levels: a physical journey into wilderness, a journey of exploration and encounter with God, and then our own journey as we seek to grow in love and discipleship.

Our guides invite us into varied, and often unexpected and disturbing, places and pathways. Each reader will find passages that make personal and immediate connections. I was struck by the contrast between a spirituality of ascent, which seeks to approach the glory and light of God, and a spirituality of descent into the depths of a fallen world, expressed in the dramatic saying of Staretz Silouan of Mount Athos: “Keep your mind in hell and do not despair.” Each chapter gives a different message that points towards new ways to pray.

It is easy for spirituality and prayer to become a repetitive exercise. The writers presented here will offer freshness and encouragement to think again and make new discoveries. The author suggests that the book could be used by groups as well as individuals. Those who accept this invitation will find their lives enriched and their knowledge of the divine deepened.

The Revd Dr John Binns is Visiting Professor at the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies, Cambridge.

Treasure in the Wilderness: Desert Spirituality for uncertain times
Andrew Mayes
Wipf & Stock £18
(978-1-6667-7521-1)
Church Times Bookshop £16.20