Let Nothing Disturb Thee: Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila for Anxiety

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), the great Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church, lived through illness, opposition, and constant travel, yet she was known for her humor and deep peace. After her death these short lines were found written in her breviary, and they have been treasured ever since as a remedy for worry and fear. The English version below is by the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

The prayer is short enough to memorize and repeat slowly whenever anxiety rises: before a hard conversation, in a waiting room, or when you cannot sleep. It reminds us that everything passes except God, and that the soul that has God lacks nothing. Her feast is October 15.

The Prayer

Let nothing disturb thee, Nothing affright thee; All things are passing; God never changeth; Patient endurance Attaineth to all things; Who God possesseth In nothing is wanting; Alone God sufficeth.

Sources: St. Teresa of Avila's bookmark (Nada te turbe), translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (19th century), public domain.

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