🌙 Prayer to St. John of the Cross
The prayer to St. John of the Cross honors the great mystic, poet, and Doctor of the Church. St. John was a 16th-century Spanish Carmelite friar who, along with St. Teresa of Avila, reformed the Carmelite Order. Known as the "Doctor of Mystical Theology," his writings on the dark night of the soul and spiritual ascent continue to guide souls in their mystical journey.
Prayer to St. John of the Cross
Traditional Prayer
O glorious St. John of the Cross,
mystical doctor and poet of divine love,
who, through the dark night of the soul,
ascended to the heights of mystical union with God,
obtain for us from the Lord
the grace to embrace the cross
and to persevere through the trials of life.
Help us to understand that
through suffering and purification
we come to know God more deeply.
Teach us to love God above all things
and to seek union with Him
through prayer and contemplation.
Guide us through the dark nights
to the dawn of divine light.
Amen.
Short Prayer
St. John of the Cross,
Doctor of Mystical Theology,
pray for us and help us
to embrace the cross in our lives.
Guide us through the dark night
to union with God.
Amen.
Prayer for the Dark Night
O St. John of the Cross,
who experienced the dark night of the soul,
help us to understand that
this darkness is a path to light.
Teach us to trust in God
even when we cannot feel His presence.
Help us to persevere in faith
knowing that purification leads to union.
Amen.
When to Pray to St. John of the Cross
- • On December 14th - Feast day of St. John of the Cross
- • For spiritual trials - When experiencing the dark night of the soul
- • For mystics - When seeking mystical experiences
- • For poets and writers - When seeking inspiration
- • For Carmelites - When praying for the Carmelite Order
- • For Spain - When praying for the country of Spain
- • For purification - When seeking spiritual purification
- • For contemplation - When seeking contemplative prayer
History and Significance
Early Life
St. John was born in 1542 in Fontiveros, Spain. He joined the Carmelite Order and was ordained a priest. He met St. Teresa of Avila and helped her reform the Carmelite Order.
Imprisonment
St. John was imprisoned by his own Carmelite brothers who opposed the reform. During his imprisonment, he wrote some of his most beautiful poetry and spiritual works.
Writings
His major works include "The Dark Night of the Soul," "The Ascent of Mount Carmel," "The Spiritual Canticle," and "The Living Flame of Love." These works describe the soul's journey to union with God.
Legacy
St. John was declared a Doctor of the Church for his profound insights into mystical theology. His teachings on the dark night and spiritual ascent continue to guide contemplatives today.
Famous Quotes
"In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone."
"Where there is no love, put love and you will find love."
"The soul that is attached to anything, however much good there may be in it, will not arrive at the liberty of divine union."
"The dark night of the soul is a journey to God, not away from Him."
Related Prayers
Prayer to St. Teresa of Avila
Learn the prayer to the Doctor of Prayer and great mystic of the Church.
Prayer to St. Catherine of Siena
Discover the prayer to the great mystic and reformer of the Church.
Evening Prayer
End your day with this peaceful prayer of thanksgiving and reflection.