Order of Desert CompanionsWelcome in the Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Desert Companions is a prayer community for those who are called to the type of life of the Early Desert Fathers and Mothers, who are an example to us of a very simple form of a life lived before God, and in His Presence.

There is much interest in the life of prayer in our current culture, however, there is also a trend in the direction of modern revisionism and new age philosophy. We hope to provide fellowship for those who would like to get away from these trends, and pursue a prayer life that is led by the Holy Spirit, based on simple belief in the Holy Scriptures.

This is the life lived and taught by St. Seraphim of Sarof who went into the deep forest of Russia, remaining there for many years, and came out of his solitude with the message that the only thing necessary was to receive the Holy Spirit.

From the Life of St. Antony by St. Athanasius:

Saint Anthony of Egypt.A nd so for nearly twenty years he continued training himself in solitude, never going forth, and but seldom seen by any. After this when many were eager and wishful to imitate his discipline, and his acquaintances came and began to cast down and wrench off the door by force, Antony, as from a shrine, came forth ... filled with the Spirit of God. Then for the first time, he was seen outside the fort by those who came to see him. And they, when they saw him, wondered at the sight, for he had the same habit of body as before, ... he was just the same as they had known him before his retirement. And again his soul was free from blemish, ...for he was not troubled when he beheld the crowd, nor overjoyed at being saluted by so many. But he was altogether even as being guided by reason, and abiding in a natural state. Through him the Lord healed the bodily ailments of many present, and cleansed others from evil spirits.

And He gave grace to Antony in speaking, so that he consoled many that were sorrowful, and set those at variance at one, exhorting all to prefer the love of Christ before all that is in the world. And while he exhorted and advised them to remember the good things to come, and the loving-kindness of God towards us, "Who spared not His own Son., but delivered Him up for us all: (Rom. 8:32), he persuaded many to embrace the solitary life. And thus it happened in the end, that cells arose even in the mountains, and the desert was colonized by monks, who came forth from their own people, and enrolled themselves for the citizenship in the heavens. . ."

Our Community

O ur community is in the early desert tradition, an approach that was very simple, with spiritual fathers and mothers being experienced elders in the spiritual life who would be an example and mentor to those who were newer in it. They existed in very simplistic lives, living out their calling in prayer, silence, and solitude, but keeping a connection with one another.

We hope to support and encourage others drawn to this way of life.

We try to help one another retain a spiritual focus in the difficulties faced in everyday living in the modern world.

Regular contact by E-mail for encouragement and prayer is available.

We live out our calling in simplicity, seeking to walk in clearness of spirit before the Lord, with nothing clouding our communion with Him. This is a life focused on the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, Trinity.and an embrace of the Cross. It is a surrendered, poured out life, unto God alone, abiding in Him.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Micah 7:14

S hepherd Your people with Your staff, The flock of Your heritage, Who dwell solitarily in a woodland, In the midst of Carmel; Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, As in days of old. (NKJV)

Woods.

Website launched October 1, 2009.

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