Perseverance in Prayer

"It is essential to begin the practice of prayer with a firm resolution of persevering in it

"When we pay this attention of our thoughts - an attention which is not without profit but which brings us a rich reward - when we render this homage to God, Who has bestowed so much on us and Who continues to shower benefits upon us, it would be wrong not to give it Him entirely; not as one who gives a thing meaning to take it back again. This cannot be called 'giving.'

"Where can a wife be found who, after receiving a number of valuable jewels from her husband, will not give him in return even a ring, not so much for its value (for all she possesses is his) but as a pledge that she will be faithful to him unto death?

"Since we have resolved to devote to God this short space of time (which we should otherwise bestow on ourselves or our friends who would not thank us for it) let us yield it Him with thoughts that are free and withdrawn from all else.

"Let us fully resolve never to take it back, whatever crosses it may bring us, and in spite of all aridities."

- St. Teresa of Avila, The Way of Perfection, 23:1