Adrienne von Speyr, whom Hans Urs von Balthasar called "one of the great mystics of the Church", shares her own prayers with us on a variety of spiritual themes. These prayers from a modern mystic who lived very much in the world as a devoted medical doctor and wife are profound, unique and intriguing. They cover a variety of themes and needs that will be both an inspiration and help to spiritual seekers. Her prayers include such themes as "Before the Tabernacle", "Prayer for Times of Weariness", "For Renewal of the Spirit", "For Detachment", "For the Right Use of Suffering", "For Constancy", and a whole section of Marian Prayers with such themes as "Thru Mary to Christ", "Prayer of Mary in the Family" and "Mary's Prayer at the Cross".
Adrienne von Speyr was a contemporary Swiss convert, mystic, wife, medical doctor and author of some 70 books on spirituality and theology. She entered the Church under the direction of one the greatest theologians and spiritual writers of the 20th century, Fr. Hans Urs von Balthasar, who became her spiritual director and confessor for the last 30 years of her life. Her writings, recognized as a major contribution to the great mystical writings of the Church, are being translated and published by Ignatius Press. Among her most important works are Book of All Saints, Confession, The World of Prayer, Handmaid of the Lord, and The Passion from Within.