by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection
I'm trying something new with this post - an affiliate link to Bookshop.org. I didn't read this exact copy, so I can't speak to its quality. I checked this book out from our local library.
This is a book gathered from conversations and letters by Brother Lawrence, who lived in the 1600s, on how he developed and maintained his relationship with the Lord. He called his method the practice of the presence of God. In this practice, he would focus his thoughts on God at all times: while working and at leisure as well as in prayer.
That our thoughts spoil everything, all the trouble begins with them. We must be careful to reject them immediately we see that they are neither necessary to our occupation at the moment nor conducive to our salvation, and return to our communion with God, wherein is our only good.With continued focus on the presence of God, Brother Lawrence found his will conforming to that of God's in all things.
I have no troubles or doubts about my state, because I have no wish but God's will which I try to fulfill in all things; I want not to pick up a straw from the ground except in accordance with God's order and sheer love of Him.He does not pretend it's an easy practice, but it is one he claims becomes easier over time.
I advise you to avoid much talking in prayer; long speeches often induce distractions. Hold yourself in prayer before God like a dumb or paralysed beggar at a rich man's gate; rivet your attention on keeping your mind in the presence of the Lord. If it wanders away from Him, don't get upset; to worry about it serves rather to distraction than to recollection: let the will bring back the mind quietly. If you persevere in this way, God will have pity on you.Interestingly in this time of our own pandemic, his letters often offer comfort in times of physical or mental suffering, but not for healing.
I do not pray that you may be delivered from your sufferings, but I ask God earnestly to give you strength and patience to bear them so long as He pleases to afflict you.He follows up with advice to seek no physician but God, which was undoubtedly better advice in the late 1600s than it is today.
This is a very short, easy book to read. It would be perfect as spiritual reading during an adoration hour.
I'm trying something new. Links above are to Bookshop.org, a relatively new way to shop for books online from independent booksellers. I am an affiliate with Bookshop and, in theory, earn a commission if you follow a link and make a purchase. I have received nothing in exchange for writing this post.
