Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD. Lamentations 3:40
“May the Lord teach this to those of you who do not know it: for my own part I must confess that, until the Lord taught me this method, I never knew what it was to get satisfaction and comfort out of prayer, and it is because I have always gained such great benefits from this custom of interior recollection that I have written about it at such length. Perhaps you all know this, but some sister may come to you who will not know it, so you must not be vexed at my having spoken about it here.
I conclude by advising anyone who wishes to acquire it (since, as I say, it is in our power to do so) not to grow weary of trying to get used to the method which has been described, for it is equivalent to a gradual gaining of the mastery over herself and is not vain labour. To conquer oneself for one’s own good is to make use of the senses in the service of the interior life. If she is speaking she must try to remember that there is One within her to Whom she can speak; if she is listening, let her remember that she can listen to Him Who is nearer to her than anyone else.
Briefly, let her realize that, if she likes, she need never withdraw from this good companionship, and let her grieve when she has left her Father alone for so long though her need of Him is so sore. If she can, let her practise recollection many times daily; if not, let her do so occasionally. As she grows accustomed to it, she will feel its benefits, either sooner or later. Once the Lord has granted it to her, she would not exchange it for any treasure.”
Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) in The Way of Perfection (Grand Rapids: CCEL) 115
I am safely in São Paulo, Brazil, pictured above.
Travel gives me time for interior reflection. It includes activities like stepping back from earthly affairs which weigh me down and take all my energy and focus and examining myself and attending to the state of my soul with God.
It offers unfathomable treasure for those who give themselves to it.
I am a novice at this; my wife is a pro. If there were biblical characters to equate to this it might be Martha who tended toward distraction and Mary who focused with devotion. Notice how Teresa depicts interior reflection.
“To conquer oneself for one’s own good is to make use of the senses in the service of the interior life.”
God hears us and is present with us, closer than anyone. When I travel and sit in the quiet of my hotel room, it seems easier to practice. I pray, like Teresa suggests and as my wife demonstrates, that I can do it many times daily.
Today through Wednesday, I attend the Brazil Missions Congress 2022 where my ECFA Press books will be released in Portuguese. Pray for me to make many good connections.
Over this time when everyone will be speaking Portuguese around me (with the exception of a translator that will assist me at times) I am asking God to help me have times for interior reflection throughout each day.
Join me in this and point others this way. As we do, we will find it outweighs the greatest earthly treasures.