What Teresa Said
Wednesday, October 15 • The Week of the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost • What Teresa Said • Romans 8.22-27
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and only the rcreation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruist of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.”
Paul says all creation groans, and so do we. Often our prayers are wordless, rising from our depths. Teresa of Ávila called prayer “an intimate sharing between friends.” Sometimes friendship means simply sitting in silence together. When we cannot find words, the Spirit sighs for us, translating ache into love. Grace means our weakness isn’t the obstacle to prayer; it is the language of it. God meets us right there, groaning with us toward glory.
O God, by your Holy Spirit you moved Teresa of Avila to manifest to your Church the way of perfection: Grant us, we pray, to be noursihed by her excellent teaching, and enkindle within us a keen and unquenchable longing for true holiness; through Jesus Christ, the joy of loving hearts, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Bible Study Help
If you want to read the Bible daily with the Church, you can find a robust reading plan in the Daily Lectionary. Clergy at All Saints will be happy to show you how.
Here are some other helps with your regular Bible reading provided by Scripture Union.
Liturgy for Life
Did you know you can find a guide for daily devotions in the Book of Common Prayer? Check it out, starting on page 136.
Need a Prayer Book? We have them in the pews. You can borrow one. You can find your own in All Saints Gift Shoppe.
