Eighth Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
I do not advise you to use multiplicity of words in prayer. Many words and long discourses are often the occasions of wandering. Hold yourself in prayer before God, like a dumb or paralytic beggar at a rich man’s gate.
Seventh Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
Gradually become accustomed to worship Him in this way; to beg His grace, to offer Him your heart from time to time; in the midst of your business, even every moment if you can.
Sixth Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the practice of the presence of God. For my part I keep myself retired with Him in the depth and center of my soul as much as I can.
Fifth Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
I know that for the right practice of it, the heart must be empty of all other things; because God will possess the heart alone. As He cannot possess it alone, without emptying it of all besides, so neither can He act there and do in it what He pleases unless it be left vacant to Him.
Fourth Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
I have taken the liberty to impart to you these good sentiments that you may compare them with your own. May they serve to re-kindle them, if at any time they may be even a little cooled.
Third Letter – THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – Brother Lawrence
I hope the affliction God has sent him will help him do some reflection and inner searching and that it may prove to be a wholesome remedy to him. It is a chance for him to put all his trust in God who accompanies him everywhere. Let him think of Him as much as he can, especially in time of great danger.