Resources

Spiritual Resources

Books, prayers, and tools for the Carmelite journey

Essential Carmelite Readings

These classic works form the foundation of Carmelite spirituality and are essential reading for anyone pursuing the Carmelite way of life.

• The Interior Castle — St. Teresa of Ávila
  St. Teresa's masterwork on the soul's journey through seven mansions toward union with God. A guide to the stages of prayer and spiritual growth.
• Dark Night of the Soul — St. John of the Cross
  The definitive guide to spiritual purification and the passive nights of sense and spirit that lead to transforming union.
• Ascent of Mount Carmel — St. John of the Cross
  A comprehensive treatment of the active purification of the soul and the path of detachment leading to divine union.
• The Way of Perfection — St. Teresa of Ávila
  Written for her nuns, this practical guide to prayer and virtue is invaluable for anyone seeking to grow in the interior life.
• Story of a Soul — St. Thérèse of Lisieux
  The autobiography of the Little Flower, revealing her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood and confidence in God's mercy.
• The Living Flame of Love — St. John of the Cross
  A mystical commentary on the final stages of union with God, describing the soul aflame with divine love.
• The Spiritual Canticle — St. John of the Cross
  A poetic and theological exploration of the soul's courtship and marriage to God, based on the Song of Songs.
• The Book of Her Life — St. Teresa of Ávila
  St. Teresa's autobiography, chronicling her spiritual journey, mystical graces, and the founding of her reform.
• Heaven in Faith — St. Elizabeth of the Trinity
  Reflections on living in God's presence and discovering the indwelling Trinity within the soul.

Recommended Secondary Sources

These contemporary works help deepen understanding of Carmelite spirituality and make the mystical classics more accessible.

• Living with God — Iain Matthew, OCD
• Fire Within — Fr. Thomas Dubay, SM
• The Carmelite Tradition — Steven Payne, OCD
• Interior Freedom — Fr. Jacques Philippe

Traditional Carmelite Prayers

Prayer of St. Teresa of Ávila

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

Prayer of St. John of the Cross

O Lord my God, my Beloved!
If still You remember my sins in such a way that You do not do what I beg of You, may Your will be done concerning them, which is what I most desire, and exercise Your goodness and mercy, and You will be known through them. And if it is that You are waiting for my good works so as to hear my prayer through their means, grant them to me, and work them for me, and the sufferings You desire to accept, and let it be done. But if You are not waiting for my works, what is it that makes You wait, my most clement Lord?

Prayer of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Act of Oblation to Merciful Love)

O my God! Most Blessed Trinity, I desire to Love You and make You Loved, to work for the glory of Holy Church by saving souls on earth and liberating those suffering in purgatory. I desire to accomplish Your will perfectly and to reach the degree of glory You have prepared for me in Your Kingdom. I desire, in a word, to be a saint...

Prayer of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

O my God, Trinity whom I adore, help me forget myself entirely so to establish myself in You, unmovable and peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity. May nothing be able to trouble my peace or make me leave You, O my unchanging God, but may each minute bring me more deeply into Your mystery. Grant my soul peace. Make it Your heaven, Your beloved dwelling and the place of Your rest. May I never abandon You there, but may I be there, whole and entire, completely vigilant in my faith, entirely adoring, and wholly given up to Your creative action.