Brother Lawrence         The Practice of the Presence of God - 16

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Image: portion of illuminated manuscript page from "The Book of Kells."

"...his sense of inner peace was so profound that other individuals were drawn to him for spiritual direction."

Twelfth Letter:

To the same correspondent probably, and expresses his own abiding comfort through faith.

 If we were well accustomed to the exercise of the presence of God, all bodily diseases would be much alleviated thereby.

     If we were well accustomed to the exercise of the presence of God, all bodily diseases would be much alleviated thereby.  God often permits that we should suffer a little, to purify our souls, and oblige us to continue with Him.

     Take courage, offer Him your pains incessantly, pray to Him for strength to endure them.  Above all, get a habit of entertaining yourself often with God, and forget Him the least you can.  Adore Him in your infirmities, offer yourself to Him from time to time; and, in the height of your sufferings, beseech Him humbly and affectionately (as a child his father) to make you conformable to His holy will.  I shall endeavour to assist you with my poor prayers.

...faith alone, which will not fail us in time of need, ought to be our support, and the foundation of our confidence, which must be all in God.

     God has many ways of drawing us to Himself.  He sometimes hides Himself from us: but faith alone, which will not fail us in time of need, ought to be our support, and the foundation of our confidence, which must be all in God.

     I know not how God will dispose of me: I am always happy: all the world suffer; and I, who deserve the severest discipline, feel joys so continual, and so great, that I can scarce contain them.

     I would willingly ask of God a part of your sufferings, but that I know my weakness, which is so great, that if He left me one moment to myself, I should be the most wretched man alive.  And yet I know not how He can leave me alone, because faith gives me as strong a conviction as sense can do, that He never forsakes us, till we have first forsaken Him.  Let us fear to leave Him.  Let us be always with Him. Let us live and die in His presence.  Do you pray for me, as I for you.

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Photo: of a Monk's hood. Brother Lawrence

(1611-1691)

(no portrait is available)

    Brother Lawrence was a French monk (Carmelite) who lived from 1611 to 1691. Prior to becoming a monk he was known as Nicholas Herman of Lorraine. 

    Like St. Francis, as a young man he was a soldier, but after becoming a monk he lived a quiet life performing various domestic chores for his monastery. 

   Nonetheless When talking to individuals, Brother Lawrence shared information about his own repeated efforts to keep his attention riveted on God no matter what business was occupying him. He reports that eventually this continual recollection of God became effortless and filled him with peace and joy. ____________