Vessels of Love, Prayers and Poems for the Later Years of Life

The beloved writer and “spiritual midwife” offers timeless wisdom for those who have lived long.

“Have you ever thought of yourself as a ‘vessel of love’? This image speaks to what I envision for the elderhood years… During this lifetime, whether we’ve been aware or not, a Presence of immeasurable love has been flowing through [our lives], quietly filling the vessel of our inner being. Like vats of matured wine, our ripened goodness has readied itself to move outward. . . Now is the efficacious time to tend ‘our tiny vessel’ so this graced goodness strengthens in us and benefits the life of those we encounter.”—From the Introduction   

“Joyce Rupp’s gentle touch transforms the wisdom years so we can relish—in simple, heartfelt and uplifting ways—such essential themes as self-compassion, letting go, and sharing our own goodness with hope, gratitude, freedom, and spiritual depth. Vessels of Love is pure gift.”—Robert Wicks, author, Let’s Look Together: Henri Nouwen as Spiritual Mentor

“She had me from page one. . . Who wouldn’t want to become a ‘crucible of kindness,’ poured out for others? Not denying the loneliness, pain, regrets and losses of aging, Joyce Rupp’s prayers and poems celebrate the festival of lights within, an abundance of memories and gifts.”—Kathy Coffey, author, A Generous Lap: A Spirituality of Grandparenting