Teresa of Avila Quotes - Page 6

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.

We bloomed in Spring. Our bodies are the leaves of God. The apparent seasons of life and death our eyes can suffer; but our souls, dear, I will just say this forthright: they are God Himself, we will never perish until He does.

I am really much more afraid of those people who have so great a fear of the devil, than I am of the devil himself.

If you fall sometimes, you must not be discouraged.

I only wish I could write with both hands, so as not to forget one thing while I am saying another.

Don't imagine that, if you had a great deal of time, you would spend more of it in prayer. Get rid of that idea; it is no hindrance to prayer to spend your time well.

If I were to give advice, I would say to parents that they ought to be very careful whom they allow to mix with their children when young; for much mischief thence ensues, and our natural inclinations are unto evil rather than unto good.

Souls without prayer are like bodies, palsied and lame, having hands and feet they cannot use.

The best thing must be to flee from all to the All.

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

God deliver me from people who are so spiritual that they want to turn everything into perfect contemplation, come what may.

Do you know when people really become spiritual? It is when they become the slaves of God and are branded with His sign, which is the sign of the Cross, in token that they have given Him their freedom.

In a state of grace, the soul is like a well of limpid water, from which flow only streams of clearest crystal. Its works are pleasing both to God and man, rising from the River of Life, beside which it is rooted like a tree.

Christ moves along the pots and pans.

Learn to self-conquest, persevere thus for a time, and you will perceive very clearly the advantage which you gain from it.

Discontent with this world gives such a painful longing to quit it that, if the heart finds comfort, it is solely from the thought that God wishes it to remain here in banishment.

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.

Untilled ground, however rich, will bring forth thistles and thorns; so also the mind of man.

One always goes on as one begins.

It is not so essential to think much as to love much.

But the fact is, things always seem to come slowly when you are longing for them.

To want to become angels while we are still on earth ... is ridiculous.

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

Never affirm anything unless you are sure it is true.

Oh, my Lord! How true it is that whoever works for you is paid in troubles! And what a precious price to those who love you if we understand its value.