A Good Word: Practicing God’s Presence in the Midst

9 09 2009

IMG_2760Brother Lawrence (of the Resurrection) was a 17th century Carmelite lay brother in Paris. He is best known for his “practicing of God’s presence.” Below is one of his wise counsels:

“During our work and other activities, even during our reading and writing, no matter how spiritual—and, I emphasize, even during our religious exercises and vocal prayers—we must stop for a moment, as often as possible, to adore God in the depths of our hearts, to savor him, even though in passing and stealthily. Since you are aware that God is present to you during your actions, that he is in the depths and center of your heart, stop your activities and even your vocal prayers, at least from time to time, to adore him within, to praise him, to ask his help, to offer him your heart, and to thank him.” (Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. The Practice of the Presence of God. Trans. By Salvatore Sciurba, OCD. Washington D.C.: ICS Publications, 1994, p. 36-37.)

When are you most aware of and responsive to God’s presence? When do you find it hardest to remember and respond to Him? What do you want to say to Him about all this?

Buy a copy of The Practice of the Presence of God: Writings and Conversations from Amazon.com


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16 03 2010
A Little Treasure Hunting « Alan Fadling: Notes from my Journey

[...] “Practicing God’s Presence in the Midst” – No matter what we are doing, even if it is our spiritual practices, Brother Lawrence invites us to stop here and there to simply adore God in the depths of our hearts. [...]

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