NovenasNovena to St. Teresa of Ávila
Doctor of the Church and Mother of Prayer
Novena to St. Teresa of Ávila, reformer of Carmel, Doctor of the Church, and master of prayer. Turn to her to grow in the spiritual life.
Complete prayer texts. No account needed.
1/ 9
For the gift of prayer
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of prayer and Doctor of the Church, you who experienced the heights of contemplation and the depths of divine love, teach us to pray.
Help us seek God with determination and persevere in the spiritual life. Obtain for us the grace of deep prayer and burning love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may live with the courage and ardor that characterized your life. Amen.
Reflection
St. Teresa defined prayer as 'nothing else than a close sharing between friends, frequently taking time to be alone with Him who we know loves us.' She teaches us that prayer is a personal relationship with God, not just words.
Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, teach me to pray with my heart. Help me find time each day to be alone with God. May my prayer be a true dialogue of love with my Lord. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, pray for us. St. Teresa of Jesus, model of determination, pray for us.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
2/ 9
For determination in the spiritual life
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of prayer and Doctor of the Church, you who experienced the heights of contemplation and the depths of divine love, teach us to pray.
Help us seek God with determination and persevere in the spiritual life. Obtain for us the grace of deep prayer and burning love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may live with the courage and ardor that characterized your life. Amen.
Reflection
St. Teresa said: 'It is only necessary to be determined.' Her life was a testimony of heroic determination to seek God and do His will, regardless of obstacles or difficulties.
Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, woman of determination, give me courage to seek God wholeheartedly. Free me from spiritual lukewarmness. May I decide fully for Christ and walk firmly toward holiness. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, pray for us. St. Teresa of Jesus, model of determination, pray for us.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
3/ 9
For ardent love of Christ
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of prayer and Doctor of the Church, you who experienced the heights of contemplation and the depths of divine love, teach us to pray.
Help us seek God with determination and persevere in the spiritual life. Obtain for us the grace of deep prayer and burning love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may live with the courage and ardor that characterized your life. Amen.
Reflection
St. Teresa's love for Christ was so intense that she experienced the transverberation: an angel pierced her heart with a golden spear. She exclaimed: 'I die because I do not die!' longing for eternal union with her Beloved.
Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, seraph of love, set my heart on fire with divine love. May I love Christ with my whole being. Make me long for complete union with my Lord. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, pray for us. St. Teresa of Jesus, model of determination, pray for us.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
4/ 9
For reform of life
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of prayer and Doctor of the Church, you who experienced the heights of contemplation and the depths of divine love, teach us to pray.
Help us seek God with determination and persevere in the spiritual life. Obtain for us the grace of deep prayer and burning love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may live with the courage and ardor that characterized your life. Amen.
Reflection
St. Teresa reformed the Carmelite Order, returning to strict observance of the primitive Rule. She founded seventeen convents despite her poor health and opposition. Her reform renewed the religious life of her time.
Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, courageous reformer, help me reform my life. Free me from mediocrity and conformism. May I live my commitment to Christ with evangelical radicalism. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, pray for us. St. Teresa of Jesus, model of determination, pray for us.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
5/ 9
For humility and self-knowledge
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of prayer and Doctor of the Church, you who experienced the heights of contemplation and the depths of divine love, teach us to pray.
Help us seek God with determination and persevere in the spiritual life. Obtain for us the grace of deep prayer and burning love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may live with the courage and ardor that characterized your life. Amen.
Reflection
St. Teresa taught that self-knowledge is the foundation of the spiritual life. She said: 'Self-knowledge is the bread with which all foods must be eaten.' Humility was fundamental for her.
Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, model of humility, help me know myself truthfully. May I recognize my smallness and my need for God. Free me from pride and vanity. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, pray for us. St. Teresa of Jesus, model of determination, pray for us.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
6/ 9
For perseverance in trials
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of prayer and Doctor of the Church, you who experienced the heights of contemplation and the depths of divine love, teach us to pray.
Help us seek God with determination and persevere in the spiritual life. Obtain for us the grace of deep prayer and burning love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may live with the courage and ardor that characterized your life. Amen.
Reflection
St. Teresa suffered illnesses, persecutions, misunderstandings, and spiritual dryness. But she never gave up. Her motto was: 'God alone suffices.' In trials, her love for God was strengthened.
Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, example of strength, help me persevere in trials. When all seems dark, may I trust in God. May difficulties strengthen my faith rather than weaken it. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, pray for us. St. Teresa of Jesus, model of determination, pray for us.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
7/ 9
For religious vocations
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of prayer and Doctor of the Church, you who experienced the heights of contemplation and the depths of divine love, teach us to pray.
Help us seek God with determination and persevere in the spiritual life. Obtain for us the grace of deep prayer and burning love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may live with the courage and ardor that characterized your life. Amen.
Reflection
St. Teresa founded a new religious family: the Discalced Carmelites. Thousands of women have followed her path of contemplative prayer and community life. Her charism lives on in the Church.
Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of the Carmelites, raise up vocations for your Order. Call generous young women to the contemplative life. Strengthen all Carmelite sisters in their dedication. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, pray for us. St. Teresa of Jesus, model of determination, pray for us.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
8/ 9
For the Church
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of prayer and Doctor of the Church, you who experienced the heights of contemplation and the depths of divine love, teach us to pray.
Help us seek God with determination and persevere in the spiritual life. Obtain for us the grace of deep prayer and burning love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may live with the courage and ardor that characterized your life. Amen.
Reflection
St. Teresa passionately loved the Church. When she learned of the Protestant Reformation, she intensified her prayer and penance. Her reform of Carmel was a gift to the Church in a time of crisis.
Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, faithful daughter of the Church, intercede for Holy Mother Church. Strengthen the pastors, renew the faithful, convert the estranged. May the Church shine with holiness. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, pray for us. St. Teresa of Jesus, model of determination, pray for us.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
9/ 9
For my particular intention
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mother of prayer and Doctor of the Church, you who experienced the heights of contemplation and the depths of divine love, teach us to pray.
Help us seek God with determination and persevere in the spiritual life. Obtain for us the grace of deep prayer and burning love for Christ.
Intercede for us that we may live with the courage and ardor that characterized your life. Amen.
Reflection
St. Teresa died on October 4, 1582, exclaiming: 'At last, Lord, I am a daughter of the Church!' She was canonized in 1622 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970, the first woman to receive this title.
Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, mystical doctor, I present my petition to you [mention your intention]. You who taught that God alone suffices, help me trust in Him. Obtain this grace for me and the grace to live in deep union with Christ. 'Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things pass, God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices.' Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Teresa of Jesus, master of prayer, pray for us. St. Teresa of Jesus, model of determination, pray for us.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
About this novena
Novena to St. Teresa of Ávila, reformer of Carmel, Doctor of the Church, and master of prayer. Turn to her to grow in the spiritual life.
Feast of St. Teresa of Jesus (October 15)
Traditional start: October 6
You can begin a novena at any time. Traditional dates are a guide, not a requirement.
