I Love the Prayer Deck I got in Glastonbury years ago - beautiful cards with all sorts of different prayers on the other side. 

One of the prayers in the deck was by Mechthild of Magdeburg (who I'd never heard of before). 1st vision at 12 yrs; as a young woman she renounced worldly riches. 'The Flowing Light of Divinity' outlines her visions; with 7 books from 1250-80. Knowledge of her & her writings ebbed away until rediscovered and published in the late 19th Century. 

Apparently, she was vocal in her criticism of church dignitaries, while vaunting her own theological insights, which almost caused her work to be burned.  

It's thought by some scholars that her visions of Hell influenced Dante's writing, and may be represented by him as 'Matelda'. .

What I particularly like, however, is her thoughts on prayer: 

Just this quick 'dipping of my toes' into some of her quotes & prayers following the one in the deck is, for me, refreshing and inspiring.

I've always been intrigued by Prayer: What it is; What it means;  How to do it;  When? etc. And it's always inspiring when work by women is honoured & recognized, especially when its power is so effective hundreds of years later.

Her passion is very evident, even in this brief foray into her life, and that always inspires; lingers, and carries great authority.

The abstract becomes real and understood.

Her faith appears to be rooted and grounded in that which is evident; practical; of service to God and Man.

Her Faith is uncompromising: where there is Love, there is no room for Fear.

I'm really happy to have found her all these centuries later; to be inspired and encouraged by her life's work and service.