Quotes from Teresa of Avila

Much more is accomplished by a single word of the Our Father said, now and then, from our heart, than by the whole prayer repeated many times in haste and without attention.

From silly devotions and from sour-faced saints good Lord deliver us.

There is more value in a little study of humility and in a single act of it than in all the knowledge in the world.

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.

I know the power obedience has of making things easy which seem impossible.

The life of prayer is just love to God, and the custom of being ever with Him.

Always think of yourself as everyone's servant; look for Christ Our Lord in everyone and you will then have respect and reverence for them all.

It is love alone that gives worth to all things.

Let us remember that within us there is a palace of immense magnificence.

Remember that you have only one soul; that you have only one death to die; that you have only one life. . . . If you do this, there will be many things about which you care nothing.

All blessings come to us through our Lord. He will teach us, for in beholding His life we find that He is the best example.

Whenever we think of Christ, we should recall the love that led Him to bestow on us so many graces and favors, and also the great love God showed in giving us in Christ a pledge of His love; for love calls for love in return. Let us strive to keep this always before our eyes and to rouse ourselves to love Him.