The Way of Perfection

Despite the fact this inspiring classic on the practice of pray was written almost four centuries ago, it is as fresh and meaningful today as it was when Teresa first wrote it. The Way of Perfection is a practical guide to prayer setting forth her counsels and directives for the attainment of spiritual perfection. Through the entire work, the author's desire to teach a deep and lasting love of prayer begins with a treatment of the three essentials of the prayer in a fulfilled life: 1) fraternal love 2) detachment from created things 3) true humility. Teresa's counsels on these are not only the fruit of lofty mental speculation, but of mature practical experience. This work can be broken into two sections. The first section, she develops these ideas and brings the reader directly to the subjects of prayer and contemplation. Then she gives various maxims for the practice of prayer and leads up to the topic, which occupies the balance of the book; a detailed and inspiring commentary on the Lord's Prayer.