The Prayers of St. Therese of Lisieux

"For me," wrote Therese of Lisieux toward the end of her life, "prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love amid trial as well as joy; finally, it is something great, supernatural, which expands my soul and unites me to Jesus." Besides the countless spontaneous prayers found throughout her autobiography, letters, poetry, and plays, St. Therese left behind 21 additional independent prayers, from every period of her life, here collected for the first time. In this book, we find prayers to the Infant Jesus and the Holy Face, prayers to Mary and the saints, prayers composed in joy and sorrow, and prayers written for her novices and missionary brothers. All of them reflect the Saint's passionate love of God, which she wished to share with friends near and far. The highlight of this volume is the first critical text of Therese's famous "Offering to Merciful Love," fully annotated. Ample background materials explain the setting and significance of each prayer. Scholars will find here essential new information for the study of the Saint's doctrine; general readers will find this book an indispensable resource for learning to pray as Therese did. "It is prayer, it is the sacrifice which gives me all my strength; these are the invincible weapons Jesus has given me. They can touch souls much better than words."

Complete collection of Therese's independent prayers, translated from the critical edition, with 9 pages of photos.

Translated by Aletheia Kane, OCD