Quotes from Teresa of Avila

It is impossible for human tongue to exaggerate the riches which a vision from God brings to the soul: it even bestows health and refreshment on the body.

Never do anything which you could not do in the sight of all.

Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. Everything passes away except God. God alone is sufficient.

When the soul, through its own fault... becomes rooted in a pool of pitch-black, evil smelling water, it produces nothing but misery and filth.

I was living an extremely burdensome life, because every time I prayed, I became more clearly aware of my faults. On the one hand, God was calling me. On the other, I was following the way of the world. Doing what God wanted made me happy; but I felt bound by the things of this world.

Prayer is an act of love. Words are not needed.

There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers.

Souls who do not practice prayer are like people whose limbs are paralyzed.

Mental prayer is nothing else but being on terms of friendship with God, frequently conversing in secret with Him.

You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him.

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.

More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.