Brother Lawrence
Brother Lawrence, born Nicolas Herman in 1614, was a Carmelite lay brother in Paris. Renowned for his deep spiritual insights, he is best known for "The Practice of the Presence of God," a collection of conversations and letters. His teachings emphasize finding divine presence in everyday tasks, advocating for constant, intimate communion with God. Brother Lawrence's simple yet profound approach continues to inspire those seeking a deeper spiritual life.
Book summaries for books written by Brother Lawrence
Quotes
The most holy and important practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God, that is, every moment to take great pleasure that God is with you.
We should establish ourselves in a sense of God's presence by continually conversing with Him.
We must know before we can love. In order to know God, we must often think of Him.
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.
We need only to recognize God intimately present with us and to address ourselves to Him every moment.
The greater perfection a soul aspires after, the more dependent it is upon divine grace.
That we should establish ourselves in a sense of God's presence by continually conversing with Him.
We ought to give ourselves up to God with regard both to things temporal and spiritual and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will.
The most excellent method he had found of going to God was that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing men and (as far as we are capable) purely for the love of God.
It is needful to have a determined resolution to submit ourselves to anything that can happen, as to what we believe to be the best.
The whole substance of religion is faith, hope, and charity.
We should not be discouraged on account of our sins, for God is merciful to those who are sorry and return to Him with a penitent heart.