St. Teresa of Avila

Govern Everything by Your Wisdom

Govern everything by Your wisdom, O Lord,
so that my soul may always be serving You
in the way You will
and not as I choose.
Let me die to myself so that I may serve You;
let me live to You who are life itself. Amen.

If, Lord, Thy Love For Me is Strong

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, who thus choose Thee.
What fears can yet assail thee now?
- All that I fear is to 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.

O soul in God hidden from sin,
what more desires for thee remain,
Save but to love, and love again,
And all on flame with love within,
Love on, and turn to love again?

Lines Written in Her Breviary

Let nothing disturb thee,
Nothing affright thee;
All things are passing;
God never changeth;
Patient endurance
Attaineth to all things;
Who God possesseth
In nothing is wanting;
Alone God sufficeth.