Perseverance in prayer you should not reproach yourself
if you are not finding consolation in meditation,
but proceed gently and with humility and patience,
not in any way injuring your spirit.
Make use of a book when you find your mind to be weary,
that is to say, read a bit and then meditate,
and then read again for a bit and then meditate,
until you reach the end of your half hour.
Teresa of Avila made this her practice in the beginning,
and she tells us that it did her great good.
Keep as your rule the truth that the grace of meditation
cannot be won by any efforts of our minds;
what is required is a gentle and very affectionate perseverance,
full of humility.
St. Francis de Sales - Roses Among Thorns - Simple Advice for Renewing Your Spiritual Journey. Sophia Institute Press. Kindle Edition. P. 56.
Tags: Méditation, Perseverance, Prayer