PrayingTheRosary.org

Everyday life

Prayer in a difficult season

St. Teresa on friendship with God, with a separate source for mental health care.

View the accompanying artwork
Jesus falls beneath the cross and turns toward Mary as soldiers and mourners surround him on the road to Calvary.
Christ Falling on the Way to Calvary · Raphael, c. 1516
Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid · Source · Public domain

Scripture excerpt

“Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you.”

Scripture
Matthew · 11:28Read the full passage

The words of St. Teresa

Book excerpt

“being on terms of friendship with God, frequently conversing in secret with Him Who, we know, loves us.”

St. Teresa of Ávila
The Life of St. Teresa of Jesus · Chapter VIII, §7Read the full passage
Source context AI-assisted summary

Source summary · AI-assisted · not a quotation

The Life describes prayer as friendship with God. This is a spiritual reading, not a claim that prayer cures anxiety, depression or other health conditions.

Health information from NIMH

Health information excerpt

“If you have concerns about your mental health, talk to a primary care provider.”

National Institute of Mental Health
Caring for Your Mental Health · How can I find help?Read the full passage

Further readings

The angel Gabriel kneels before Mary in a garden, holding a lily as she turns from her reading; distant mountains rise beyond the trees.

Getting started

Beginning prayer with St. Teresa

Prayer and friendship in The Life and The Way of Perfection.

Reading from St. Teresa of ÁvilaAttributed excerpts · labeled source summaries
The young Jesus discusses scripture with a close circle of elderly teachers holding open books.

Daily prayer

When thoughts wander in prayer

Brother Lawrence’s Eighth Letter, alongside St. Teresa’s chapter on recollection.

Reading from Brother LawrenceAttributed excerpts · labeled source summaries