Today’s the Feastday of St. Teresa of Avila, Spanish mystic, spiritual writer and 16th C. monastic reformer. She was declared–acknowledged–the first woman Doctor of Church by Pope Pius VI in 1970.

St. Teresa has much to tell us about growing in prayer. I’ve been getting these hints…I know this is an area of my life that needs improvement. Mental prayer is essential–vital.

I have so many things to do!? She founded 17 monasteries, convents all over Spain! It was from her time spent alone with God, the God of her heart, that St. Teresa found the strength to carry out His work. I read that she prayed like Mary and worked like Martha!

Prayer enables us to accomplish everything that we’re suppossed to do–especially that which seems to be impossible (on our own effort it is impossible). I’m reminded of this Psalm that St. Teresa seems to quote:

Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.

Psalm 127

We need to go to “a quiet place and rest awhile”…to go to the secret place of our hearts and converse with God–remembering always to listen.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes St. Teresa of Avila on prayer:

“Mental prayer [oracion mental] is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means taking time frequently to be alone with Him who we know loves us”

Here is an article I came across from Catholic Men’s Quarterly:

Why Men Don’t Pray (and how to see through our own excuses)

Now…if you’ll excuse me…