St Teresa of Avila
PRAYER CENTERED LIFE
“The fruits of a genuine prayer life more than compensate for the self-discipline we must practice to be faithful to a prayer regime.”
St Teresa of Avila compared the four stages in the development of a life of prayer to four ways in which a garden can be watered:
FIRST STAGE: Initially the gardener must bring bucket after bucket to water the seeds and the plants. Just so, the person who desires to learn HOW to pray must begin with the first phase. Place yourself in the presence of Jesus, The Divine Teacher. Select a test from Holy Scripture that is meaningful for you. Enter into a conversation with Jesus who is present within you. Listen as Jesus teaches His listeners. Become more Christ-like. Ask Jesus to give you courage, greater understanding and trust. Be faithful in your daily life to the graces you have been given.
SECOND STAGE: Think of a waterwheel and you and Jesus. The person who is praying is meditating. Rather than having to haul bucket after bucket of water, the pray-er develops a pattern of prayer that works for him. Prayer is easier now, comes more naturally, and there is an interior desire to be closer to our Lord. The waterwheel of prayer now provides more water, faith and spiritual nourishment.
THIRD STAGE: Next is an irrigation system which Teresa experienced in her prayer life. Here Jesus strengthens, renews and establishes a more evident presence in the spiritual life of the person. The pray-er realizes Jesus within. This enables one to better know his self, to have a clearer sense of self-understanding, and a greater ability to love others. St Teresa would continue to emphasize the three signs of the Spirit’s action in the life of one who prays: the person practices humility, detachment and love of others.
FOURTH STAGE: The fourth metaphor Teresa uses is abundant rain. At this stage there is no obstacle to the person being open to receive the graces which Jesus’ Spirit grants to the person in abundance. Now, the pray-ear’s will is at one with God’s will. The person has reached the innermost self where God alone dwells. Here is God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and all three are truly present as they always have been.