Fifth Letter
Brother Lawrence's sermon highlights the importance of practicing the Presence of God as essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the necessity of practicing the Presence of God - Prayer for a sister making a vow - Importance of community support in spiritual journeys
- II points: - The significance of emptying the heart for God's presence - God's desire to possess the heart alone - The need for a vacant heart for divine action
- III points: - The joy of continual conversation with God - Practicing God's presence out of love, not for pleasure - The transformative effects of this practice
- IV points: - The role of preaching and advising on God's presence - The necessity and ease of practicing God's presence - The call to a firm resolution to remember God
- V points: - The importance of seeking God's grace and assistance - Commitment to live in God's sacred presence - The assurance of finding effects from this practice
Key Quotes
“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with GOD.” — Brother Lawrence
“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.” — Brother Lawrence
“Make immediately a holy and firm resolution never more wilfully to forget Him.” — Brother Lawrence
Application Points
- Commit to daily practices that help you remain aware of God's presence.
- Engage in community prayer to support others in their spiritual journeys.
- Resolve to keep your heart free from distractions to fully experience God's love.