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Teresa of Avila Quotes

Saint

Teresa of Avila, born on March 28, 1515, and died on October 4, 1582, was a Spanish mystic, nun, and theologian. She is a saint of the Catholic Church, renowned for her profound insights into mysticism and spiritual life.

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All Saint Ifs Soul Prayer Lord May Humility Giving Thinking Suffering Knows All Things Christ Men Should Catholic Desire Way World Love

Famous Teresa of Avila Quotes

“For, as I said a little way back, perfect souls are in no way repelled by trials, but rather desire them and pray for them and love them. They are like soldiers: the more wars there are, the better they are pleased, because they hope to emerge from them with the greater riches.”

Way Littles Said War Soul Desire Perfect Greater Praying And Love Soldier Riches Trials

Book:Complete Works St. Teresa Of Avila

Source: Complete Works St. Teresa Of Avila

“Our body has this defect that, the more it is provided care and comforts, the more needs and desires it finds.”

Needs Body Care Desire Suffering Humility Comfort Saint Consumerism Defects Overconsumption

Author:Teresa of Avila

“If God should desire to raise us to the position of one who is an intimate and shares his secrets, we ought to accept this gladly.”

Ifs Should Desire Secret Accepting Share Position Ought Raises Intimate

Book:The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila: Volume 1

Source: The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila: Volume 1

“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.”

May Soul Desire Wonder Goodness Mercy Blessed Rewards My Soul This Life Contemplation Magnificence Being Blessed Goodness Of God

Book:The Life of St. Teresa of Avila

Source: The Life of St. Teresa of Avila

“Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us. The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love. Love is not great delight but desire to please God in everything.”

Thinking Knows Mean Important Desire Prayer Love Is Opinion Please Important Things Delight Intimate Take Time

Author:Teresa of Avila

“Whoever has not begun the practice of prayer, I beg for the love of the Lord not to go without so great a good. There is nothing here to fear but only something to desire.”

Desire Prayer Lord Practice

Book:The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila: Volume 1

Source: The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila: Volume 1

“Our soul can find in the Blessed Sacrament all the joys and consolations it desires.”

Soul Joy Desire Blessed Sacraments Consolation Blessed Sacrament

Author:Teresa of Avila

“It should be observed that perfect love of God consists not in those delights, tears and sentiments of devotion that we generally seek, but in a strong determination and keen desire to please God in all things, and to promote His glory.”

Should Desire Strong Perfect Tears Please Glory Determination All Things Delight Devotion God Love Sentiments Perfect Love Strong Determination

Author:Teresa of Avila

“To converse with You, O King of glory, no third person is needed, You are always ready in the Sacrament of the Altar to give audience to all. All who desire You always find You there, and converse with You face to face”

Giving Persons Faces Desire Audience Ready Kings Needed Glory Thirds Sacraments Altars Face To Face Converses Third Person

Author:Teresa of Avila

“The most potent and acceptable prayer is the prayer that leaves the best effects. I don't mean it must immediately fill the soul with desire . . . The best effects are those that are followed up by actions-when the soul not only desires the honor of God, but really strives for it.”

Mean Soul Action Desire Prayer Effects Honor Strive Saint Acceptable Strife

Author:Teresa of Avila

“Desire to see God, be fearful of losing Him, and find joy in everything that can lead to Him. If you act in this way, you will always live in great peace.”

Ifs Way Inspiration Joy Desire Faith Losing Christian Inspirational Fearful Losing Him

Author:Teresa of Avila

“It is certain that the love of God does not consist in this sweetness and tenderness which we for the most part desire; but rather in serving Him in justice, fortitude, and humility. His Majesty seeks and loves courageous souls.”

Doe Soul Desire Certain Justice Humility And Love Saint God Love Courageous Serving Tenderness Sweetness Fortitude Majesty

Author:Teresa of Avila

“I made you, dear, and all I make is perfect. Please come close, for I desire you.”

Made Desire Perfect Please Dear Beloved

Author:Teresa of Avila

“In order to profit from this path [of prayer] and ascend to the dwelling places we desire, the important thing is not to think much but to love much; and so, do that which best stirs you to love.”

Thinking Love Important Desire Order Prayer Path Important Things Profit Dwelling Dwelling Place

Book:The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila, vol 2

Source: The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila, vol 2

About the Author

Born: March 28, 1515
Died: October 4, 1582
Known for: Saint
Quotes: 287

Books & Sources

Complete Works St. Teresa Of AvilaRelated source material

The Letters of Saint Teresa of JesusRelated source material

The Life of St. Teresa of AvilaRelated source material

General introduction. Life. Spiritual relationsRelated source material

The Interior CastleRelated source material

The Interior Castle (Annotated Edition)Related source material

The Way of PerfectionRelated source material

Book of the foundations. Minor prose works. Poems. Documents. IndicesRelated source material

The Collected Works of St. Teresa of Avila: Volume 1Related source material

The Interior Castle, or the MansionsRelated source material

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