The Prayers of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Book excerpt: Complete collection of Thérèse's independent prayers, translated from the critical edition, with 9 pages of photos. "For me," wrote Thérèse 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 in the midst of 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. Thérèse 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, 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 Thérèse'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 Thérèse did. "It is prayer, it is sacrifice which give me all my strength; these are the invincible weapons Jesus has given me. They can touch souls much better than words."