Over the years, Saint Teresa became a voice of hope and a symbol of faith for millions of people around the world. Her work, which inspired the creation of the Missionaries of Charity, an international religious congregation dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor, earned her numerous honors and awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Today, Saint Teresa remains a source of inspiration for people of all faiths and backgrounds, especially those who seek assistance in times of need. Many people turn to her in prayer, asking for her intercession and seeking her assistance. Here are three prayers to Saint Teresa of Calcutta that can help us draw closer to God and to the example of love and service she lived.
Prayer 1: Saint Teresa, Help Me to See Jesus in the Poor
Saint Teresa of Calcutta knew that serving the poor was not just about providing them with food and shelter, but also about seeing in them the face of Jesus Christ. She saw each person she encountered as a child of God, deserving of love, respect, and dignity, no matter their circumstances. This prayer asks Saint Teresa to help us see Jesus in the poor and to open our hearts to the needs of others:
Dear Saint Teresa, you who saw the love of Christ in the poorest of the poor, help me to see Jesus in the people I encounter every day. Teach me to be compassionate, generous, and selfless, just as you were. Give me the courage to serve those in need and to be a sign of hope for all who seek your intercession. Amen.
Prayer 2: Saint Teresa, Help Me to Love Others As You Loved Them
One of Saint Teresa’s most famous expressions was “I thirst.” She meant not only her physical thirst for water but also her spiritual thirst for the love of God and the love of others. She knew that love was the key to building bridges between people and overcoming the divisions that so often separate us. This prayer asks Saint Teresa to inspire us to love others with the same love she showed:
Dear Saint Teresa, you who loved the poor, the sick, and the dying with a love that knew no bounds, help me to love others as you loved them. Show me how to be patient, kind, and forgiving, even in the face of difficulty and opposition. Help me to be a peacemaker and a bridge-builder, just as you were. Give me the grace to love God and others with all my heart, mind, and soul. Amen.
Prayer 3: Saint Teresa, Help Me to Find Joy in Serving Others
Saint Teresa of Calcutta knew that serving others was not always easy, but she also knew that it was a source of great joy and fulfillment. She believed that by serving others, we find ourselves, and that in giving of ourselves, we receive abundant blessings. This prayer asks Saint Teresa to help us find joy in serving others, no matter how difficult or challenging it may be:
Dear Saint Teresa, you who found joy in serving the poorest of the poor, help me to find joy in serving others, no matter their needs or circumstances. Teach me to be joyful, even in the midst of trials and struggles, and to see in every act of service an opportunity to grow in faith, hope, and love. Give me the strength to persevere, the courage to speak the truth, and the humility to accept correction and guidance when I need it. And help me to always see the blessings that come from serving others with a generous and pure heart. Amen.
In conclusion, Saint Teresa of Calcutta was a true example of selflessness, loving service, and spiritual depth. Her life and ministry continue to inspire millions of people around the world, and her legacy of compassion and devotion to God lives on in the hearts of all those who seek her intercession. May these prayers help us draw closer to Saint Teresa and to the love of God, and may her example inspire us to serve others with joy, humility, and generosity.