Gertrude d'Helfta
1256-v. 1302 13th century Feast day: November 16
Prayer as friendship: to let oneself be wounded by love and answer the One who speaks to the heart.
Who was Gertrude d'Helfta?
A nun at the monastery of Helfta in Saxony, at first wholly given to the study of letters until an inner conversion turned her heart to Christ. She recorded her experiences of prayer in The Herald of Divine Love, where union with God is spoken with the tenderness of a friendship.
In their own words
With all my heart and all my soul I long for you; I ask that you alone possess me. See: I am yours, and you are mine.
May my life turn toward you, may all my strength serve you, may my whole being give you glory.