Teresa of Ávila Quotes

134 Sourced Quotes

It will be as well, I think, to explain these locutions of God, and to describe what the soul feels when it receives them.

Teresa of Ávila
Granting that we are always in the presence of God, yet it seems to me that those who pray are in His presence in a very different sense; for they, as it were, see that He is looking upon them, while others may go for days on end without even once recollecting that God sees them.

Teresa of Ávila
The words are very distinctly formed; but by the bodily ear they are not heard. They are, however, much more clearly understood than they would be if they were heard by the ear. It is impossible not to understand them, whatever resistance we may offer... there is no escape, for in spite of ourselves we must listen...

Teresa of Ávila
Who God possesseth
In nothing is wanting;
Alone God sufficeth.

Teresa of Ávila
God prefers your health, and your obedience, to your penance.

Teresa of Ávila
It constantly happens that the Lord permits a soul to fall so that it may grow humbler.

Teresa of Ávila
How is it that there are not many who are led by sermons to forsake open sin? Do you know what I think? That is because preachers have too much worldly wisdom.

Teresa of Ávila
So dearly does His Majesty love us that He will reward our love for our neighbor by increasing the love which we bear to Himself, and that in a thousand ways.

Teresa of Ávila
Lord, how you afflict your lovers! But everything is small in comparison to what you give them afterwards.

Teresa of Ávila
We are always in the presence of God, yet it seems to me that those who pray are in His presence in a very different sense.

Teresa of Ávila
Those who in fact risk all for God will find that they have both lost all and gained all.

Teresa of Ávila
As to the aridity you are suffering from, it seems to me our Lord is treating you like someone He considers strong: He wants to test you and see if you love Him as much at times of aridity as when He sends you consolations. I think this is a very great favor for God to show you.

Teresa of Ávila
I often thought my constitution would never endure the work I had to do, (but) the Lord said to me: 'Daughter, obedience gives strength.'

Teresa of Ávila
You ought to make every effort to free yourselves even from venial sin, and to do what is most perfect.

Teresa of Ávila