The Beginner in Prayer

"A beginner must look upon himself as making a garden, wherein our Lord may take His delight, but in a soil unfruitful, and abounding in weeds. His Majesty roots up the weeds, and sets good plants in their place.

"Let us take for granted that this is already done when a soul is determined to give itself to prayer, and has begun the practice of it.

"We have then, as good gardeners, by the help of God to see that the plants grow, to water them carefully, that they may not die, but produce blossoms, which shall send forth much fragrance, refreshing to our Lord, so that He may come often for His pleasure into this garden, and delight Himself in the midst of these virtues."

- St. Teresa of Avila, Life 11:10