Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) was a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery, who is today most commonly remembered for the closeness of his relationship to God as recorded in the classic Christian text, The Practice of the Presence of God. I thought that I would share a few of his quotes with you todau:Let us think often that our only business in this life is to please God. Perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity.
We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.
There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of a continual walk with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive.
Lift up your heart to Him, sometimes even at your meals, and when you are in company; the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; he is nearer to us than we are aware of.
We must do our business faithfully, without trouble or disquiet, recalling our mind to God mildly, and with tranquility, as often as we find it wandering from him.
I think that such a love like this would seem so foreign to people. And many would say what about having children or spouces. I believe it is 1st Corinthians in which Paul describes marraige as appropriate for helping you prevent sin, but that for those that are strong enough, they should remain unmarried in the flesh as truly in the spirit, we are the bride of christ.
ReplyDeleteThere are some great words there - Kansas Bob, I really like the one about being nearer to us than we think.
ReplyDeleteI love Brother Lawrence ~~ His book is in my "Daily Book Shelf". I used it a lot when I was studying the Spiritual Disciplines for the Workshop I did at a Women's Retreat a couple of years ago.
ReplyDeleteTalk about an authentic person...he was~~~~ A role model for all of us..Thanks for sharing Bob.
Thanks for stopping by all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Scott - I can't relate to monastic living.. although some days :)