Teresa of Ávila imagines the soul’s journey to union with God as a trip through the interior castle, which is the soul where God takes his delight. The trip, which leads the soul from the purgatory way, to the illuminative way, and finally the unitive way, is accomplished by prayers with specific functions and goals. For example, the Prayer of Quiet is the increased quieting of the senses and faculties. As the soul travels through the mansions, it becomes increasingly quiet and passive, thus receptive to God and ready for the final union.

This prolonged journey, with identifiable steps along the way, though seemingly mystical and removed, enabled readers of this work to envision a path to union with God, and perhaps to envision their own progress toward that union. Teresa sees humility, passivity, and trust in God, achieved by prayer, as necessary if one is to achieve the desired state.