Saint Teresa of Avila Quotes & Sayings

“Be gentle to all and stern with yourself.”

“For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.”

“I had many friends to help me to fall; but as to rising again, I was so much left to myself, that I wonder now I was not always on the ground. I praise God for His mercy; for it was He only Who stretched out His hand to me. May He be blessed for ever! Amen.”

“Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul.”

“More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.”

“A beginner must look on himself as one setting out to make a garden for his Lord's pleasure, on most unfruitful soil which abounds in weeds. His Majesty roots up the weeds and will put in good plants instead. Let us reckon that this is already done when the soul decides to practice prayer and has begun to do so.”

“All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted.”

“Prayer is an act of love; words are not needed. Even if sickness distracts from thoughts, all that is needed is the will to love.”

“Don't let your sins turn into bad habits.”

“I have often thought with wonder of the great goodness of God; and my soul has rejoiced in the contemplation of His great magnificence and mercy. May He be blessed for ever! For I see clearly that He has not omitted to reward me, even in this life, for every one of my good desires.”