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Brother Lawrence
Brother Lawrence (c. 1614–1691). Born Nicolas Herman around 1614 in Hériménil, Lorraine, France, to a peasant family, Brother Lawrence became a Carmelite monk and lay brother renowned for his practice of God’s presence. Wounded as a soldier in the Thirty Years’ War and later serving as a footman, he experienced a spiritual awakening at 18 upon seeing a barren tree, reflecting on God’s renewing power. Entering the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Paris around 1640, he took the name Lawrence of the Resurrection and worked humbly in the kitchen and as a sandal repairer. Despite no formal education, his simple faith and constant communion with God drew many to seek his counsel. His teachings, recorded by others, notably Abbé Joseph de Beaufort, were compiled posthumously in The Practice of the Presence of God, a collection of letters and conversations emphasizing continual prayer in daily tasks. Lawrence’s life exemplified joy in mundane duties, influencing spiritual thinkers across centuries. Unmarried, he remained in the monastery until his death on February 12, 1691, in Paris. He said, “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.”
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Brother Lawrence emphasizes the importance and virtue of practicing the presence of God, especially in preparation for making vows and professions. He encourages a continual conversation with God, highlighting the sweetness and delight found in being devoted to Him alone. Brother Lawrence stresses the need to empty the heart of all else to allow God to fully possess and work within it, urging a resolution to never forget God's presence and to spend each moment in sacred communion with Him.
Fifth Letter
Prayer for a sister who is about to make a vow and profession. * A fresh insisting upon the necessity and virtue of practising the Presence of God. I RECEIVED this day two books and a letter from Sister, who is preparing to make her profession, and upon that account desires the prayers of your holy society, and yours in particular. I perceive that she reckons much upon them; pray do not disappoint her. Beg of GOD that she may make her sacrifice in the view of His love alone, and with a firm resolution to be wholly devoted to Him. I will send you one of those books which treat of the presence of GOD; a subject which, in my opinion, contains the whole spiritual life; and it seems to me that whoever duly practises it will soon become spiritual. 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; and 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. 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 practise and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive; it is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise; but let us do it from a principle of love, and because GOD would have us. Were I a preacher, I should above all other things preach the practice of the presence of GOD; and were I a director, I should advise all the world to do it: so necessary do I think it, and so easy too. Ah! knew we but the want we have of the grace and assistance of GOD, we should never lose sight of Him, no, not for a moment. Believe me; make immediately a holy and firm resolution never more wilfully to forget Him, and to spend the rest of your days in His sacred presence, deprived for the love of Him, if He thinks fit, of all consolations. Set heartily about this work, and if you do it as you ought, be assured that you will soon find the effects of it. I will assist you with my prayers, poor as they are: I recommend myself earnestly to yours, and those of your holy society.
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Brother Lawrence (c. 1614–1691). Born Nicolas Herman around 1614 in Hériménil, Lorraine, France, to a peasant family, Brother Lawrence became a Carmelite monk and lay brother renowned for his practice of God’s presence. Wounded as a soldier in the Thirty Years’ War and later serving as a footman, he experienced a spiritual awakening at 18 upon seeing a barren tree, reflecting on God’s renewing power. Entering the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Paris around 1640, he took the name Lawrence of the Resurrection and worked humbly in the kitchen and as a sandal repairer. Despite no formal education, his simple faith and constant communion with God drew many to seek his counsel. His teachings, recorded by others, notably Abbé Joseph de Beaufort, were compiled posthumously in The Practice of the Presence of God, a collection of letters and conversations emphasizing continual prayer in daily tasks. Lawrence’s life exemplified joy in mundane duties, influencing spiritual thinkers across centuries. Unmarried, he remained in the monastery until his death on February 12, 1691, in Paris. He said, “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.”