O my God! Source of all mercy!

I acknowledge Your sovereign power.

While recalling the wasted years that are past,

I believe that You, Lord,

can in an instant turn this loss to gain.

Miserable as I am,

yet I firmly believe that You can do all things.

Please restore to me the time lost,

giving me Your grace,

both now and in the future,

that I may appear before You in "wedding garments." 

Amen.

 Let nothing upset you,

let nothing startle you.

All things pass;

God does not change.

Patience wins

all it seeks.

Whoever has God

lacks nothing:

God alone is enough.

 

 

 

 If, Lord, Thy love for me is strong

As this which binds me unto thee,

What holds me from thee Lord so long,

What holds thee Lord so long from me?

O soul, what then desirest thou?

Lord I would see thee, who thus choose thee.

 

What fears can yet assail thee now?

All that I fear is but lose thee.

Love's whole possession I entreat,

Lord make my soul thine own abode,

And I will build a nest so sweet

It may not be too poor for God.

 

A sould in God hidden from sin,

What more desires for thee remain,

Save but to love again,

And all on flame with love within,

Love on, and turn to love again.  

 Majestic sovereign, timeless wisdom,
your kindness melts my hard, cold soul.

Handsome lover, selfless giver,
your beauty fills my dull, sad eyes.

I am yours, you made me.

I am yours, you called me.

I am yours, you saved me.

I am yours, you loved me.

I will never leave your presence.

Give me death, give me life.

Give me sickness, give me health.

Give me honor, give me shame.

Give me weakness, give me strength.

I will have whatever you give.

 Amen.

 

 

Prayers and poems of St. Teresa of Avila can be found on Catholic websites.
Stained glass window detail of St. Teresa of Avila photographed in Summit, NJ.

 

[email protected] 
Photographs Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar