Turning to the Mystics with James Finley Dialogue 1: Everything is Possible
Sep 22, 2025
Jim and Kirsten explore Brother Lawrence's powerful teachings on the presence of God in everyday life. They delve into the significance of belief and faith, highlighting how a humble cook became a spiritual guide. The discussion reveals Brother Lawrence’s youthful vision of a tree, symbolizing spiritual awakening and detachment. Practical tips on recognizing divinity in mundane tasks, along with the essential role of love and silence in spiritual practice, provide listeners with insightful ways to deepen their connection with the divine.
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Presence Is The Single Note
- Brother Lawrence centers his teaching on the single reality of God's presence manifesting as everything we experience.
- This presence is intimate and personal, not a set of attributes, and pervades all modalities of life.
The Tree That Changed Everything
- Brother Lawrence's conversion at 18 came during a simple contemplation of a barren tree and never left him.
- That quickening made him more present to himself and opened him to God's presence in the ordinary world.
Quickening Reveals An Ever-Present Reality
- Quickening experiences can't be manufactured but reveal an underlying reality always present.
- The practice of presence trains the heart to register the divine already manifest in each moment.
