Roger Bretherton (Part 4 of 4)

Jean-Pierre de Caussade's "Abandonment to Divine Providence" is a spiritual classic emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God's will in all circumstances. The book encourages readers to find peace and joy in the present moment, trusting in God's plan even amidst life's challenges. Caussade's writing is characterized by its mystical depth and practical application, offering guidance on cultivating a deeper relationship with God. The book's timeless wisdom continues to resonate with readers seeking spiritual growth and a more profound understanding of faith. It's a guide to living a life of trust and surrender.

Frank Laubach's "Game with Minutes" offers practical advice on maintaining a constant awareness of God's presence in daily life. Laubach, a missionary, integrated his understanding of psychology and sociology to develop techniques for keeping God at the forefront of his mind. The book emphasizes the importance of regular, brief moments of returning one's thoughts to God, creating a continuous connection. This approach, Laubach believed, would transform one's life and bring about a deeper relationship with the divine. The book's simplicity and practicality make it accessible to a wide audience.

This book is a foundational text of Christian mysticism, written in the 14th century. It advises readers to direct their full attention, love, and effort towards God by embracing a 'cloud of unknowing' that stands between them and God. The author emphasizes that God cannot be known through intellect but only through love and a deep, contemplative practice. The text advocates for the abandonment of all worldly thoughts and distractions to focus solely on God, using a 'cloud of forgetting' to separate oneself from created things. It is a guide for advanced spiritual seekers, outlining the stages of spiritual life including purgation, illumination, and union with God.

This book is a collection of Brother Lawrence's teachings, including his conversations and letters, which emphasize the importance of maintaining a constant awareness of God's presence. Brother Lawrence learned to find God in all his daily tasks, whether he was working in the kitchen or repairing sandals. He advocated for a simple and direct approach to living in God's presence, stressing that all work can be done as an act of love for God. The book includes his maxims and letters that provide practical advice on how to advance in the spiritual life and maintain a deep sense of God's presence in all activities.