Brother Lawrence ~ The Practice of Presence ~ Christian Mystics
Sep 30, 2024
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Brother Lawrence, a lay brother from a Carmelite monastery, is celebrated for his profound connection with God. He shares insights on 'practicing the presence of God,' emphasizing that divine communion isn't confined to prayer or church but can enrich everyday tasks. This approach transforms routine moments into spiritual encounters, fostering joy and peace. His genuine spirit and wisdom attracted many throughout France, offering them guidance in their own spiritual journeys.
Maintaining a constant awareness of God's presence transforms everyday tasks into acts of devotion, enriching spiritual life significantly.
Emptiness of the heart is crucial for spiritual growth, enabling God to dwell fully within by relinquishing distractions and worldly attachments.
Deep dives
The Importance of Continuous Communion with God
Establishing a constant awareness of God's presence is emphasized as the most vital aspect of spiritual practice. This form of prayer transcends traditional techniques, focusing instead on maintaining a habitual and loving conversation with God throughout daily life. Practicing this awareness fosters joy and peace, allowing individuals to feel a profound connection with the divine, regardless of their external surroundings. Everyday tasks, such as cooking, can be transformed into acts of devotion when done with love and intention, highlighting the significance of integrating spirituality into all aspects of life.
Achieving Spiritual Emptiness for Divine Connection
Emptiness of the heart is presented as essential for allowing God to dwell fully within. This requires letting go of distractions and worldly attachments so that true spirituality can thrive without the confines of religiosity. By nurturing a disciplined practice of maintaining God's presence, even brief moments of remembrance can enhance one's spiritual life significantly. The idea of seeking God frequently and understanding that He exists within encourages individuals to prioritize their spiritual journey over material concerns, leading to a deeper fulfillment and inner peace.
Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, OCD (c. 1614 – 12 February 1691) served as a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in Paris. Christians commonly remember him for the intimacy he expressed concerning his relationship to God as recorded in a book compiled after his death, the classic Christian text, The Practice of the Presence of God.
Brother Lawrence developed a simple way of praying from his heart which he called “practicing the presence of God.” And he learned to commune with God continuously, not only in church or personal devotions, but also as he worked in the kitchen, ran errands, or listened to people. His genuine spirit, cheerfulness, and peace attracted people within his community to share with him and seek his counsel and prayers. Eventually people from other parts of France, common people and church leaders alike, wrote to him or visited him for spiritual guidance.
Music: State Azure - Ethereal Landscapes 3
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🙏 May whatever goodness arises from these readings/offerings be for the benefit of all sentient beings.