Mechthild of Magdeburg (1210-1280), in Northern Germany, was a complicated and profound spiritual writer and nun. And she was something of a free-spirit, whose prayers speak to a modern audience. She sure speaks to me, especially when she connects prayer with dancing. Why not prayer as dancing with God? We get so stiff and formal and burdensome in our praying that we forget that prayer is also meant to be joyous, even fun. So let your heart dance with Mechthild as you read and pray her prayer:

           “I cannot dance, O Lord, unless you lead me. If it is your will, I can leap with joy. But you must show me how to dance and sing by dancing and singing yourself! With you I will leap towards love, and from love I will leap to truth, and from truth I will leap to joy, and then I shall leap beyond all human senses. There I will remain and dance for evermore.”