For what reasons do people undertake a regular routine of prayer?

In what ways would a monastic life of prayer be more or less heart-changing than a life of prayer for a person who lives outside a monastery?

Do you think the same book written today would be as well-received as this one was when it was written in the 16th century? Why do you think this particular work continues to be so celebrated?

Discuss Teresa's idea of the poisonous creatures seeking to distract souls from prayer. What do you think the qualities of our culture are today that might keep a person from seeking connection with God?

Describing the Prayer of Recollection, Teresa suggests the soul is remembering something she has known before. What do you think she means? In regaining what was lost, what was it she had, and when did she...