Mother Teresa’s life was a testament to unwavering faith and selfless service, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. She famously lived by a set of principles that guided her actions, often referred to as “The Anyway Poem” or “The World I Find.” These powerful affirmations speak to the heart of a person who chose to love and serve, regardless of the outcome or the reception. They are not just words; they are a spiritual compass, reminding us that our commitment to good works and to God should not waver, no matter what life throws our way. This devotional explores twenty prayers inspired by Mother Teresa’s profound example, encouraging us to lean on divine strength to live out our faith, even when it seems impossible.
These prayers are designed to be a source of comfort and motivation, drawing from the wellspring of Mother Teresa’s spirit and the enduring truths of Scripture. In a world that often rewards cynicism and discouragement, her life calls us to a higher purpose. It’s a call to act with kindness, to speak with truth, and to love with an open heart, all while trusting that God’s grace is sufficient. As we journey through these prayers, may we find the courage to embrace our own “anyway” moments, knowing that our efforts, offered in faith, are never in vain.
This collection is more than just a list of prayers; it’s an invitation to a deeper spiritual practice. It’s about understanding that true devotion isn’t about achieving perfect results or receiving constant praise. It’s about the persistent act of offering our best to God and to others, trusting in His plan and His strength to carry us through. Let these prayers be a gentle reminder that even when the world seems unappreciative or resistant, our commitment to love and service, rooted in Christ, is what truly matters.
Short Prayers to Do It Anyway
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart full of humility and a spirit yearning for Your strength. The world can be a difficult place, filled with challenges that sometimes make me want to give up. But I remember the example of Your faithful servants, who pressed on despite adversity. Lord, I ask for Your grace to help me do the good I am called to do, “anyway.” Grant me the courage to be kind when others are harsh, to be honest when deception seems easier, and to love even when I feel unloved. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my actions may reflect Your boundless love and mercy. Help me to trust in Your divine plan, even when I cannot see the path ahead. May my life be a testament to Your enduring power and grace, doing Your will, anyway. Amen.
20 Mother Teresa Prayers To Do It Anyway
1. Prayer for Unwavering Kindness
Lord, I pray for the grace to extend kindness, even when faced with harshness. Sometimes, the world feels sharp and unforgiving, and it’s easy to mirror that energy. But Your Word teaches us to be gentle and compassionate. Help me to remember that a soft answer can turn away wrath and that Your love shines brightest through acts of genuine kindness. May I always choose to offer a comforting word, a helping hand, or a listening ear, regardless of how others behave. Let my kindness be a reflection of Your own unfailing love, doing it anyway.
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
This reflection reminds us that our response to difficult situations is a choice. Mother Teresa understood that true strength lies not in reacting with anger or defensiveness, but in responding with the gentle power of Christ. Even when people are unkind, our commitment to showing them grace can be a powerful witness to God’s transformative love. It requires a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit to overcome our natural inclination to retaliate.
2. Prayer for Unwavering Honesty
Father, I ask for the strength to speak the truth, even when it’s unpopular or difficult. There are times when a convenient lie or a half-truth seems like the easier path, avoiding conflict or disapproval. But You are a God of truth, and Your Word calls us to be people of integrity. Help me to be courageous in my honesty, speaking with love and respect, but never compromising on what is right. May my words always align with Your will, doing it anyway.
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” – Ephesians 4:25
Being honest isn’t always simple. It can lead to uncomfortable conversations or even strained relationships. Yet, as this verse points out, truth builds stronger connections within the body of Christ. Mother Teresa’s life demonstrated that integrity in speech, even when met with resistance, builds a foundation of trust and respect. It’s about honoring God with our words, no matter the immediate consequence.
3. Prayer for Unwavering Generosity
Lord, I pray for a generous heart, willing to give even when I have little. It’s easy to be generous when resources are abundant, but true generosity is tested when our own needs are great. Your Word promises that those who give will receive, and that You delight in a cheerful giver. Help me to share what I have, whether it’s time, talent, or treasure, with a willing spirit. May my generosity be a testament to Your abundant provision, doing it anyway.
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Generosity is more than just parting with possessions; it’s about the attitude of the heart. Mother Teresa famously lived this principle, sharing what little she had with those in desperate need. This verse encourages us to give not out of obligation, but out of a joyful recognition of God’s blessings and a desire to share them. It’s a powerful reminder that our giving, however small it may seem, is significant to God.
4. Prayer for Unwavering Service
Father, I ask for the spirit of a servant, ready to help even when I feel unappreciated. Sometimes, the work we do goes unnoticed, or the people we serve seem ungrateful. It can be discouraging to pour ourselves out without recognition. But Jesus Himself came not to be served, but to serve. Help me to find joy in serving others, knowing that my ultimate reward is with You. May my actions be motivated by love for You and for my neighbor, doing it anyway.
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
Service can be challenging when our efforts are not met with gratitude. Mother Teresa’s tireless work among the poorest of the poor, often in difficult conditions, exemplifies this spirit. This verse reminds us that our freedom in Christ calls us to a higher purpose: to serve one another through love. It’s about finding fulfillment in the act of giving, trusting that God sees and values every selfless deed.
5. Prayer for Unwavering Peace
Lord, grant me Your peace, even amidst turmoil. Life often brings storms of anxiety, worry, and conflict, making it hard to find inner calm. Your Word promises a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that You alone can give. Help me to cast my cares upon You, trusting that You are in control. May I be a peacemaker, radiating Your tranquility in every situation, doing it anyway.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27
The peace that Jesus offers is distinct from the fleeting calm the world provides. Mother Teresa found profound peace amidst immense suffering and chaos, a peace rooted in her deep trust in God. This promise from Jesus assures us that even when external circumstances are unsettling, we can hold onto an inner stillness that comes directly from Him. It’s a divine gift that anchors us.
6. Prayer for Unwavering Faith
Father, I pray for a steadfast faith, even when doubts arise. There will be moments when circumstances seem impossible, and faith feels like a fragile thing. Your Word assures us that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Strengthen my belief in Your power and Your promises. Help me to trust You completely, even when I cannot see the way forward, doing it anyway.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
Faith is the bedrock of our relationship with God, especially when faced with the unknown. Mother Teresa’s extraordinary life was fueled by an unshakeable faith that moved mountains, or at least, moved her to serve those society had forgotten. This verse defines faith as a confident assurance in what we believe, even before it is visible. It’s the quiet conviction that God is at work, even in the unseen.
7. Prayer for Unwavering Hope
Lord, fill me with Your enduring hope, even in the darkest hours. Despair can creep in when challenges seem insurmountable and the future looks bleak. But Your Word declares that hope does not disappoint because Your love has been poured into our hearts. Help me to hold onto the hope that You are working all things for good, and that Your plans for me are for welfare and not for evil. May my hope be a beacon, doing it anyway.
“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” – Romans 5:5
Hope is the anchor that keeps us steady when life’s storms rage. Mother Teresa’s persistent optimism, even in the face of immense suffering, stemmed from a deep well of hope in God’s ultimate victory. This verse assures us that this hope is not a flimsy wish, but a solid assurance grounded in the love God has already given us through the Holy Spirit. It’s a powerful force against despair.
8. Prayer for Unwavering Love
Father, I ask for Your divine love to flow through me, even towards those who are difficult. Loving everyone is a challenge, especially when we encounter people who are unlovable, ungrateful, or even hostile. But Your commandment is to love one another as You have loved us. Help me to extend Your unconditional love, showing compassion and grace, doing it anyway.
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
The call to love is central to our faith, a love that mirrors Christ’s own sacrifice. Mother Teresa’s life was a living embodiment of this radical love, extending it to those society had cast aside. This command from Jesus is not a suggestion, but a core principle. It challenges us to love not based on merit or reciprocation, but as a reflection of God’s own boundless, unconditional love for humanity.
9. Prayer for Unwavering Patience
Lord, grant me Your patience, especially when things move slowly or go wrong. Waiting can be difficult, and frustration can easily arise when plans are delayed or efforts seem fruitless. Your Word teaches us that the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Help me to trust Your timing and to persevere with grace, doing it anyway.
“The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.” – Numbers 14:18
Patience is a virtue that reflects God’s own enduring character. Mother Teresa demonstrated incredible patience in her long years of service, often dealing with immense suffering and complex needs. This verse highlights God’s own longsuffering nature, His willingness to forgive and wait. It encourages us to emulate this divine attribute, understanding that growth and change often require time and persistent grace.
10. Prayer for Unwavering Humility
Father, I pray for a humble heart, even when I achieve success or receive praise. It’s easy for pride to swell when our efforts are recognized or when we accomplish something significant. But You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Help me to remain grounded, remembering that all my abilities and successes come from You. May I always seek to glorify You, doing it anyway.
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” – James 4:10
Humility is a cornerstone of spiritual maturity, recognizing our dependence on God. Mother Teresa’s profound humility, despite her global recognition, was a hallmark of her character. This verse offers a powerful paradox: by lowering ourselves before God, He will exalt us. It’s about acknowledging our limitations and His sovereignty, finding true dignity in submission to Him.
11. Prayer for Unwavering Forgiveness
Lord, help me to forgive freely, as You have forgiven me. Holding onto bitterness and resentment is a heavy burden, poisoning the soul and hindering our relationship with You. Your Word commands us to forgive those who have wronged us, just as Christ forgave us. Empower me to release those who have hurt me, finding freedom and peace in obedience to Your command, doing it anyway.
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is a divine mandate, reflecting the core of God’s grace. Mother Teresa was a living example of forgiveness, extending it to all she encountered, regardless of their past actions. This verse calls us to a tenderhearted approach, mirroring the forgiveness we have received through Christ. It’s a challenging but liberating act that frees both the forgiver and the forgiven.
12. Prayer for Unwavering Diligence
Father, I ask for diligence in my work and my walk with You. It’s tempting to be lazy or to put forth only minimal effort, but Your Word calls us to work heartily, as for the Lord. Help me to be diligent in my responsibilities, to pursue spiritual growth with focus, and to honor You with my best efforts in all things, doing it anyway.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” – Ecclesiastes 9:10
Diligence is about applying ourselves wholeheartedly to the tasks God has given us. Mother Teresa’s relentless dedication to her mission, even in the face of immense hardship, speaks volumes about her diligence. This verse from Ecclesiastes is a powerful reminder to give our all to the present moment, as life is fleeting. It encourages us to invest our energy wisely, knowing that our efforts matter.
13. Prayer for Unwavering Courage
Lord, instill in me Your courage, especially when facing fear or adversity. There are times when fear paralyzes us, making us hesitant to step out in faith or to stand up for what is right. Your Word repeatedly tells us not to fear, for You are with us. Strengthen my resolve to face challenges with boldness, trusting in Your presence and power, doing it anyway.
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it, trusting in God’s presence. Mother Teresa faced immense societal challenges and personal struggles, yet she moved forward with remarkable courage. This verse from Deuteronomy is a profound assurance: God Himself walks with us, promising never to fail or forsake us. This divine companionship is the source of true bravery.
14. Prayer for Unwavering Gratitude
Father, cultivate in me a spirit of gratitude, even when things are difficult. It’s easy to focus on what we lack or what is going wrong, but Your Word calls us to give thanks in all circumstances. Help me to see Your blessings, both big and small, and to express my thankfulness to You. May my heart overflow with gratitude, doing it anyway.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Gratitude is a powerful spiritual discipline that shifts our focus from problems to provisions. Mother Teresa’s life was marked by a deep sense of thankfulness, even in the midst of poverty and suffering. This verse from Thessalonians is a clear directive: give thanks in every situation. It’s not about being thankful for hardship, but about finding reasons to be thankful in all circumstances, recognizing God’s constant presence and goodness.
15. Prayer for Unwavering Faithfulness
Lord, help me to remain faithful to You and Your calling, even when tempted to stray. The path of discipleship can be long, and there are many distractions and temptations that can lead us away from our commitment. Your Word assures us that the faithful will be rewarded. Strengthen my resolve to stay true to You, to Your Word, and to the purpose You have set before me, doing it anyway.
“He which is filthy let him be filthy still: and he which is filthy let him be filthy still: and he which is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he which is holy, let him be holy still.” – Revelation 22:11
Faithfulness is about unwavering commitment to God’s path, regardless of external pressures. Mother Teresa’s lifelong dedication to serving the poorest of the poor is a testament to her profound faithfulness. This verse, while stark, emphasizes the importance of our choices and their eternal consequences. It calls us to live righteously and holy now, knowing that our present actions shape our eternal destiny.
16. Prayer for Unwavering Perseverance
Father, grant me the strength to persevere, even when the road is long and arduous. There will be times when progress seems slow, and the challenges feel overwhelming, tempting us to quit. Your Word encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, for we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Help me to keep moving forward, trusting in Your strength and Your ultimate victory, doing it anyway.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” – Galatians 6:9
Perseverance is the quiet determination to continue, even when faced with weariness and difficulty. Mother Teresa’s enduring commitment to her mission, spanning decades of immense challenges, exemplifies perseverance. This verse offers a powerful promise: our efforts in doing good will yield a harvest if we simply refuse to give up. It’s a call to steadfastness, trusting in God’s perfect timing.
17. Prayer for Unwavering Joy
Lord, fill me with Your joy, even when circumstances are not ideal. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, distinct from happiness, which is often dependent on external factors. Your Word tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Help me to find contentment and gladness in You, regardless of my situation, doing it anyway.
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10
The joy Jesus offers is an abundant, resilient gift, unlike fleeting happiness. Mother Teresa radiated a profound joy that seemed to transcend her difficult circumstances. Jesus’ words here contrast the destructive nature of the enemy with the abundant life He came to give. This abundant life includes a deep, unshakeable joy that can sustain us through any trial.
18. Prayer for Unwavering Compassion
Father, deepen my compassion for those who suffer. It is easy to become desensitized to the pain of others, but Your heart breaks for the suffering of humanity. Help me to see people through Your eyes, to feel empathy for their struggles, and to act with kindness and mercy, doing it anyway.
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Compassion is the active expression of empathy, a core value in God’s kingdom. Mother Teresa’s entire ministry was built on profound compassion for the suffering. Jesus’ beatitude here is a powerful reminder that those who show mercy will themselves receive mercy. It encourages us to extend grace and understanding to others, reflecting God’s own merciful nature.
19. Prayer for Unwavering Purpose
Lord, help me to live with a clear sense of purpose, knowing that I am Your creation, made for good works. Sometimes, life can feel aimless, and we can lose sight of the unique calling You have placed on our lives. Your Word assures us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that You have prepared good works for us to do. Guide me to walk in that purpose with conviction, doing it anyway.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
Living with purpose means understanding that our lives are intentionally designed by God for specific good works. Mother Teresa lived with an unshakeable sense of divine purpose, dedicating her life to serving the most vulnerable. This verse highlights that our identity in Christ is tied to His preordained plans for us. It calls us to embrace these good works with enthusiasm and dedication.
20. Prayer for Unwavering Trust in God
Father, above all, I pray for unwavering trust in You. When we try to rely on our own strength or understanding, we often falter. But You are sovereign, all-knowing, and all-powerful. Help me to surrender my plans, my worries, and my will to Yours, knowing that You work all things for good for those who love You. May my trust in You be absolute, doing it anyway.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Ultimate trust in God is the foundation upon which a life of faith is built. Mother Teresa’s life was a testament to this deep, unwavering trust, even when faced with the inexplicable. These verses from Proverbs are a cornerstone of wisdom, urging us to place our complete confidence in the Lord, rather than our own limited understanding. By acknowledging Him in all our endeavors, we allow Him to guide our steps.
Conclusion
Mother Teresa’s life was a living sermon, a powerful testament to the fact that faith in action, rooted in God’s strength, can overcome any obstacle. The prayers inspired by her “Anyway Poem” are not merely a list of good intentions; they are a call to a deeper, more resilient form of Christian living. They remind us that our commitment to kindness, honesty, generosity, service, peace, faith, hope, love, patience, humility, forgiveness, diligence, courage, gratitude, faithfulness, perseverance, joy, compassion, purpose, and trust in God should not be contingent on favorable circumstances or human approval.
When we feel unappreciated, when our efforts seem to yield little fruit, or when the world around us is harsh and unyielding, these prayers offer a lifeline. They encourage us to draw not from our own finite strength, but from the infinite power of the Holy Spirit. Mother Teresa understood that true spiritual victory is found not in the absence of challenges, but in the unwavering decision to do what is right, what is loving, and what is God’s will, “anyway.” This perspective shifts our focus from the outcome to the obedience, from recognition to relationship with our Creator.
As you reflect on these prayers, may you feel a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper reliance on God’s grace. Let them be a gentle nudge to continue your good works, to speak truth in love, and to extend mercy, even when it feels difficult. Remember that every act of faith, offered with a sincere heart, is seen and valued by God. Your life, lived in humble dependence on Him, is a powerful witness to His enduring love and His transformative power in the world. Keep doing the good you are called to do, for in Him, your efforts are never in vain.
