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.
Charlie Cleverly led a French speaking Church in Paris for ten
years, before serving for nearly 20 years as Rector of St Aldates at the
heart of Oxford. He is now a conference speaker, spiritual director and
coach, and helps new Churches being planted in mainland Europe.