When we feel overwhelmed by the weight of our troubles, it can be tempting to turn away from God. But Scripture reminds us that God is always near, even when we don’t feel like He is. Here are four prayers from church history to help you cultivate a sense of God’s presence in times of despair and discouragement:
- A Prayer of Saint Teresa of Avila
“Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you; all things pass. God alone suffices.”
—Saint Teresa of Avila
- A Prayer of Saint Thomas More
“Give me, good Lord, a humble and contrite heart, a steadfast and resolute will, a peaceful and quiet conscience, a life free from sin and filled with good works, a death which shall be worthy of your sight, and a hope of eternal life in your holy presence.”
—Saint Thomas More
- A Prayer of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. You have given all to me: I return it all to you, and surrender it wholly to your will, without reserve or exception.”
—Saint Ignatius of Loyola
- A Prayer of Saint Francis de Sales
“Do not lose courage in considering your own wretchedness, but set your eyes on the light of the divine goodness…You will thus be able to despise your own misery, and to find consolation in Him who alone is your true Good.”
—Saint Francis de Sales
May these prayers guide you in turning to God and finding encouragement in His presence, especially during times of spiritual darkness.
Leave a Reply