People from all faiths and none at all find in the prayers of the mystical traditions expressions that speak to their deepest needs.

Whether appealing for knowledge, seeking a sense of the love of God, or about asceticism, questions and doubts, or contemplation and action, each of these prayers (from Christian and other religious tradition sources) are vibrantly alive. Rooted in classic sources, each prayer in Essential Mystic Prayers is important, especially now, in the 21st century. This book collects some of the most beautiful of these prayers.

In flame of sunrise bathe my mind, that when I wake, clear-eyed may be my soul’s desire. -Fiona Macleod, Scotland, 19th century

How should the God who made heaven and earth come into me? Is there any room in me for you, my Lord, my God? -St. Augustine, Africa, 5th century

Praise be to Thee, Most Supreme God, Thy Beauty do we worship, to Thee do we give willing surrender. - from Sufi morning prayers