The Ascetic Lives of Mothers

A Prayer Book for Orthodox Moms

By: Annalisa Boyd

Narrated by: Annalisa Boyd

Annalisa Boyd knows motherhood has its challenges, its joys, and its potential for spiritual growth. In this prayer book, she offers a wide selection of prayers mothers can use to intercede for their families as well as to grow in virtue themselves.

©2014 Annalisa Boyd (P)2018 Annalisa Boyd

Such a beautiful book.

I received a paperback copy of The Ascetic Lives of Mothers by Annalisa Boyd as a gift by a generous friend a few years ago but due to the business of motherhood I never got the chance to read it. So when it came out on Audible I was thrilled. Audio books are such a blessing for those of us who just don’t have the time to sit and read as much as we would love too. The audio version came at a very convenient time for me as I had a long drive early in the morning to take our 4 year old for dental surgery. What a blessing it was to pray along with Annalisa on my drive as my little one slept behind me. And it was a comfort to listen to her compilation of stories and prayers as I waited for her while she was under anesthesia getting the procedure. I highly recommend this book. It would make a great gift for baby showers, the new mom and the experienced mom alike.

An Overflowing Cup of Comfort

There is a lot to be said for hearing another person pray when your own strength to read the same prayers has gone and you’re too weary to even sleep (Moms understand what I mean). My son had just spent two days in a row in the Emergency room and had been discharged from an overnight stay in the hospital when I began listening to this book. Author and reader Annalisa’s voice quickly became that of a calm, encouraging friend who shared small anecdotes and then spent a lot of time praying with me.

Less than two days after starting the book, my infant daughter ended up in the ER and it was this book/these prayers that I listened to during the depth of the night as I waited (aren’t ER wait times so long), and finally received word that my daughter was being admitted. My baby girl is home now (but not quite well), and having finished this book for the first time, I remain grateful for the time spent with Annalisa in prayer.

I appreciated the few stories of women saints (I’d have loved more of them), who join us as friends in the journey. The scripture references and quotations from saints flowed seamlessly with the prayers, and I felt encouragement and renewed strength. I so appreciate Annalisa being faithful to share her gift of writing (and reading) to encourage other women to trust in and walk with the Lord.

I will surely keep this book available, and likely listen to it often/learning the prayers that I might pray them on my own as well.

A Mother's Treasured Companion

The cover photo speaks the essence of this beautiful book: while holding on to a prayer rope, a Mother grasps onto the photo of Baby Jesus kissing the Theotoko's cheek close to her heart. Motherhood is a God anointed sacred duty that is full of challenges and heart aches, yet only true faith in God can help guide mothers to endure all things with Love and Patience.

As a mother of a 6 year old boy, juggling between managing the house, doing laundry, cleaning and cooking, while working part time as an arts therapist, squeezing time to create my own artwork and taking care of my son....at times I get my fair moments of "barely hanging in there". This book is a beautiful reminder that Motherhood is compared to that of an Ascetic, where each day we are given fare doses of emotional exercises. It gives funny anecdotes as examples of how Mothers juggle it all, and prayers to sooth those unbearable moments. It also reminded me how important it is to anchor myself in Christ, especially when I battle emotional turmoils.

This audio book allowed me to do my housework and chores while listening to the soothing voice of Annalisa Boyd. Her enchanting vocal performance was a lovely companion, like a friend speaking to a friend, listening to her read allowed room for deep introspection. I got to reflect some important notions mentioned in this book: "Prayer is the most powerful weapon" and that "One should keep the lips silent when the heart is stirred".

I would highly recommend this audio book for Mothers out there who needed a spiritual companion. It is a perfect book to ground ourselves in prayers, giving us the ammunition and inner strength to endure all challenges in Motherhood.

Delightful Surprise

This is a book review on the audiobook. I was gifted a copy of this audiobook for an honest review.

After answering the call to pick an Ancient Faith audiobook to review, I was drawn to the title of this book. I am a mother. Therefore, I probably need to read this book. But, I did not read the entire title. The Ascetic Lives of Mothers: A Prayerbook for Orthodox Moms. Imagine my surprise as I began listening to this book. It is another hectic afternoon. I have finished working for the day (part time Orthodox school principal). I am at home, earbuds in, ready to dive into an audiobook when I realize- this is about prayer. And that this book is actually a prayerbook. And, this is exactly what I needed to hear on this challenging day. When I realized what this book really was about- I paused and made the decision to spend time really listening to the prayers, quotations from our Church Fathers, direction, and advice. Normally, I will listen to an audiobook for a few hours at a time (those precious hours when the boys' are at school, my husband is in his home office working, and I am doing the mom thing). This prayerbook needed more time to digest. I listened in short bursts of time over a few weeks. I found that by listening to this book while working around the house helped to keep me focused on praying while working. The book is divided into chapters with a special focus on a specific topic, prayers for different occasions, and daily prayers. The author's voice is soothing to listen to which is especially important in audiobooks.

And, listening to the audiobook now has me wanting to purchase a copy to keep in my prayer corner as the audiobook (at least on my kindle) does not have chapter names listed.

This book was a delight and a surprise! I look forward to re-listening to it in the future.