St. Teresa's Prayer

IN THE HANDS OF GOD…..

By St Teresa of Jesus

I am Yours, and born for You.

What do you want of me?

Majestic, Sovereign,

Unending wisdom,

Kindness pleasing to my soul.

Kindness sublime, one Being Good,

Behold this one so vile.

Singing of her love to you:

What do You want of me?

Yours , you made me.

Yours, you saved me.

Yours, you endured me.

Yours, you called me.

Yours, you awaited me.

Yours, I did not stray.

What do You want of me?

Good Lord, what do You want of me?

What is this wretch to do?

What work is this,

This sinful slave, to do?

Look at me, Sweet Love,

Sweet Love, look at me,

What do you want of me?

In Your hand

I place my heart.

Body, life and soul,

Deep feelings and affections mine,

Spouse – Redeemer sweet,

Myself offered now to you.

What do You want of me?

Give me death, give me life,

Health or sickness,

Honor or shame,

War or swelling peace,

Weakness or full strength,

Yes, to these I say,

What do you want of me?

Give me wealth or want,

Delight or distress,

Happiness or gloominess,

Heaven or hell,

Sweet life, sun unveiled,

To you I give all.

What do You want of me?

Give me if you will, prayer,

Or let me know dryness.

An abundance of devotion.

Or if not, then barrenness.

In you alone, Sovereign Majesty,

I find my peace.

What do You want of me?

Give me then wisdom.

Or for love, ignorance,

Years of abundance,

Or hunger and famine.

Darkness or sunlight,

Move me here or there:

What do You want of me?

If you want me to rest,

I desire it for love;

If to labor,

I will die working:

Sweet Love, say

Where, how, and when.

Calvary or Tabor give ne,

Desert or fruitful land,

As Job in suffering

or John at your breast,

Barren or fruitful vine,

Whatever be your will:

What do You want of me?

Be I Joseph chained

Or as Egypt’s governor,

David pained

Or exalted high,

Jonas drowned,

Or Jonas freed.

What do You want of me?

Silent or speaking,

Fruit-bearing or barren,

My wounds shown by the Law,

Rejoicing in the tender Gospel;

Sorrowing or exulting,

You alone live in me:

What do You want of me?

Yours I am, for You I was born.

What do You want of me?

Copy-typed St Teresa’s poem “In the Hands of God” by Alan Fox

from pages 377-379 Of the Collected Works of St Teresa if Avila, vol 3.

Kieren Kavanaugh and Otilio Rodriguez

ICS Publications, Washington, DC

ISBN 0-935216-06-5 1985.