Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582)
Many saints and good writers have spoken about the great good that one gains from regular prayer, I mean internal prayer. ... (I) can only speak of what I know from experience: and that is, whoever begins to cultivate prayer, may they never even think of giving it up, even if they happen to fall into sin. Through prayer, they will soon be able to rise again, but without it, it will be very difficult.
Let them not be tempted by the devil to give it up out of humility, as I did, and let them be convinced that God's word cannot be mistaken. If our repentance is sincere and we resolve not to offend Him anymore, He will bestow upon us graces as before and often even greater ones, provided that our sincerity in repentance deserves it.
And as for those who have not yet begun, for the love of God, I urge them not to deprive themselves of such good. There is nothing to fear here, on the contrary – everything is desirable. Even if they do not make progress or do not strive to be so perfect as to deserve the favors and comforts that God reserves for others, they will always gain the ability to learn to walk towards heaven; and if they persevere in this holy exercise, then I have great confidence in the mercy of God, whom no one has ever received in vain as a friend, for internal prayer for me is nothing else but an intimate relationship of friendship, frequent conversation "between four eyes" with Him, from whom we know that He loves us.
You may argue that you do not yet love Him enough. Yes, because it is necessary for the conditions to be the same for friendship to be lasting and love to be pure; whereas we know that we are full of flaws, that we are ungrateful and sensual, while our Lord can have no flaws. Therefore, we cannot love Him as He deserves. However, if you consider how beneficial it is to have Him as a friend and how He loves you, you will endure that tormenting awareness that you are to be with someone before whom you feel He is so infinitely different.
(Life 8,5)
