Saint Teresa of Avila was a nun, mystic, author, and religious reformer who lived in the sixteenth century. She wrote about many spiritual topics, and one of the things she said about prayer is: “For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.”
When I was a child, my parents and religious instruction teachers taught me and had me memorize prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, and many others. For much of my childhood my parents and siblings said the rosary together most evenings. The other type of prayer I learned about when I was young was to pray for things I hoped would happen, such as that a sick family member would get well or that I would be given something I wanted to have.
It wasn’t until I became an adult that my prayers became more personal, more like what Saint Teresa describes. Although I believe there is a place for traditional prayers and prayer services, I find personal prayers to be more meaningful. The idea of “friendship with God” helps me to remember that the Creator is always listening, always present. I’ve lived long enough to know that what I want to happen isn’t what matters most, so I’ve come to include the words “that Your will be done” when I pray. I pray for people I know and love, and I pray for all the people in our world. I pray for certain causes and I pray for myself, that I will follow my inner voice and spiritual direction.
I share my ideas about prayer and also what Saint Teresa said in the hopes it will help others to have a more meaningful prayer life.