Sunday/May/2010 13:45
May 24, 2010
A continuation of messages from the heart of our
pastor, Brother Lawrence was a monk in France during
the 1600’s. He was assigned to the monastery
kitchen where, amidst the tedious chores of cooking and
cleaning at the constant bidding of his superiors, he
developed his rule of spirituality and work.
In his book"Maxims,” Brother Lawrence writes,
“Men invent means and methods of coming at God's
love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind
them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble
to bring oneself into the consciousness of God's
presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker
and easier just to do our common business wholly for
the love of him?"
First published around 1699, four conversations and
fifteen letters from this Carmelite lay brother were
published in a little book titled, The Practice of the
Presence of God. John Wesley is thought to be the first
person to bring 'The Practice of the Presence of God'
to the US when he made his first visit to Georgia. In
it we learn how to engage in a continuous conversation
with God–a way of faith, love, humility, and
simplicity that anyone can practice anywhere at any
time.
To live moment by moment conscious of the Lord's
presence is the key to Christian living–this is
the key to a growing personal relationship with God in
the midst of the busyness of life. But how do we
practice God's presence throughout the day?
“There is not in the world a kind of life more
sweet and delightful, than that of a continual
conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who
practice and experience it.” –Brother
Lawrence
Listen