Conversation with Christ: The Teachings of St. Teresa of Avila about Personal Prayer

I was a young high schooler, being drawn by God into a life of greater awareness of God's love for me. This was my first "manual" in what the author calls meditation, but which would classically be called mental prayer or more simply, prayer. This volume grounded me. It helped me to move from a self-centered mysticism into a human being blessed to find his life re-immersed daily in the life of Jesus Christ. The "Conversation with Christ" that one is drawn into through the teachings of Teresa of Avila leads to frequent repentance, regular returning to the Lord, ongoing petition to be more and more available for the uses Jesus has for us, even into old age. The conversation never ends. Of course, it looks so different to me now than it did as a teenage. The secret is to never stop talking to Jesus, except when he invites you to. I have bought the new edition. It is the same as the 1956 edition except for a 1980 preface. I read it now as a primer on ways to talk to others about prayer.

As a lay Carmelite, I think this book really gives you an accurate idea of how to meditate well on Christ and shows the basics of meaningful prayer with Jesus. I was really impressed with the various methods and examples given. I would highly recommend this book to postulants of the third order and those like myself, who truly wish to deepen their conversation with Christ.Well written and excellent tips... truly a classic!

An explanation for everyone of St. Teresa of Avila's teaching about personal prayer, especially the prayer of meditation, which she calls the "royal highway to Heaven." Though a mystic, St. Teresa was an eminently practical person, and that quality imbues her approach to prayer - and this book. Filled with saintly wisdom. Easy to understand. Highly recommended by Fr. Dubay, author of "Fire Within".

This is an excellent introduction to praying with scripture. A priest friend had told me that he had learnt Christian meditation from this book in his formative years as a Carmelite.