Prayers of the Women Mystics

Prayers of the Women Mystics invites you into the rich tradition of Catholic mysticism and mystical prayer through the words and experiences of twenty women mystics.

Drawing on their lives and writings, Ronda Chervin explores what mysticism is and how God may bestow mystical graces to sanctify and purify the heart. Through visions, locutions (words of God), and silent infusions of divine love, these twenty women encountered God in ways that could not always be expressed in ordinary language. Their experiences were understood by the heart more than the ear.

Arranged chronologically, this collection invites you to discover the profound intimacy with God cultivated by women throughout the centuries. Their prayers and experiences inspire us to set aside time each day to unite our hearts with God, remain open to his grace, and allow him to lead us ever deeper into his burning love.

This collection includes

• prayers composed by St. Hildegard of Bingen, St. Gertrude the Great, Julian of Norwich, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Faustina Kowalska, and fourteen more mystics;
• commentary on the life and spirituality of each mystic; and
• insight into the close and personal relationship Christ desires to have with every person, including you.

In this collection, you will encounter

• St. Hildegard of Bingen, who experienced a fiery light that inflamed her mind and heart, filling her with wisdom about scripture;
• Bl. Angela of Foligno, who received locutions that revealed the depth and personal nature of God’s love for her and for every human person;
• Julian of Norwich, who had visions of Christ, or “showings,” and when she wondered why God did not prevent sin, Christ answered her with words that have comforted generations of Christians: “Sin is necessary, but all shall be well”; and
• St. Catherine of Siena, a mystic and Doctor of the Church, whose intense dialogue with God was marked by both complete surrender to his will and bold intercession for his people.

Whether you are fascinated by mystical experiences or simply long for a deeper relationship with God, Prayers of the Women Mystics offers a unique opportunity to pray alongside some of the great female mystics of the Catholic tradition. Featuring the saints’ prayers in their own words, this collection will appeal to readers interested in primary sources and Christian classics while inspiring them to bring the wisdom of these women into their daily prayer.

• Pages: 256
• Trim size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches
• ISBN: 978-1-64680-542-6
• Imprint: Ave Maria Press