Give me a word, Father. From the time of Saint Antony-at least-younger monks would ask older, experienced monks, abbas or ammas ('fathers' or 'mothers'), for a saving word, for advice, for wise counsel on how to live. In this book, Coptic scholar and priest Tim Vivian shares personal accounts of journeys to present-day monasteries in Egypt, and translations of ancient texts exemplifying the 'words, ' the insights that have guided desert monks for nearly two millennia. Those who study the monastic tradition professionally and those who search it spiritually will find matter for reflection here