learning from Brother Lawrence

This past reading plan from YouVersion.com was about a man named Brother Lawrence. He wrote a book titled Practicing His Presence which is the story of how he learned to spend his days as a cook always in the presence of God.

Here are some quotes from the book:

Nearly everyone has problems with wandering thoughts. The mind is a true rover. But since the will is master of all our other faculties, it can recall the mind and carry out thoughts to God.

When I first began, my mind was also undisciplined. Because of this lack, my first efforts at devotion were hampered by the wandering and dissipation of my mind. Such habits are difficult to overcome. They even draw us away from the Lord and to the earth against our very will.

(Practicing His Presence, p. 81)

Whenever we find our minds wandering from Him, we must recall them to His presence with tranquility.

In order to do this you will find it necessary to put your whole trust in God, to lay aside all other cares. You will also find it necessary to lay aside some forms of devotion, even if they are good ones. Such devotions are only the means to the end. They were given to you to bring you to Christ’s presence. Once you are in His presence, the forms are meaningless…

You may continue with Him in an exchange of love simply by an act of praise, or adoration, or just by desire… [or] by an attitude of simple waiting, or by thanksgiving…

Do not be discouraged at the outset of this exercise. Your own nature may rebel at this holding and stillness before God. Do it violence; deny it. For instance, you may have the thought that this communion is a waste of valuable time. Pay that thought no attention. Go on with the Lord…

(Practicing His Presence, p. 70)

Brother Lawrence shares powerful truth about living with God in every day life. The book is tiny yet profound. Find a copy and read it, and may we choose to literally practice the presence of God.

Psalm 139:7 NLT

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!

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Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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