WE CANNOT SPEAK TO GOD AND THE WORLD AT THE SAME TIME

You know that His Majesty taught us that the first point is that prayer should be made in solitude.

He practised this Himself; not because it was a requisite for Him, but for the sake of our instruction. I have already explained that we cannot speak both to God and to the world at the same time.

Yet, what else are we doing if, while we pray, we listen to other people's conversation or let our thoughts dwell unchecked in whatever subject occurs to them.

On other occasions God permits a tempest of difficulties to assault His servants for His greater gain; then, though the soul may grieve at its distractions and try to stop them, this is found to be impossible. She should not trouble herself about it; this would only increase the evil.

Let her pray as best she can, or leave off praying and rest her soul as if she were ill, occupying herself with some other good work. 

St. Teresa of Avila

(09-04-02)