The Life of Teresa of Jesus: The Autobiography of Teresa of Avila

St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Carmellite mystic and reformer, first woman declared Doctor of the Chrurch. Chapters 11-22 of her Autobiography are devoted to a fascinating, enlightening discussion on prayer. St Teresa depicts her gradual understanding that the use of the imagination could be dispensed with and her soul could give itself directly to enjoying a vivid experience of God's presence within her.