PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD (UPDATED)

A lay brother in the Parisian Carmelite Order, which practiced extreme asceticism, Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (1611—1691) taught that one's "entire call and duty" was "to adore God and to love Him, without worrying about the rest." He was born in Lorraine province, France. He was unlearned and came from a humble background. While looking at a barren tree one wintry day, the eighteen-year-old Lawrence realized that this tree would blossom once again. He was profoundly moved by God's providence and overcome with love for God. He was not only converted that day but also forever committed to serving God wholeheartedly. As a result, he entered the Carmelite religious community. He changed his name from Nicolas Herman to Brother Lawrence and became known for his simple, practical faith. Although he lived a life separate from the world, he insisted that one could always be aware of God's presence. He believed that by accepting God's help and guarding our souls by keeping them in tune with God's will, we can have constant fellowship with the Lord. He developed the habit of losing himself in communion with God, thereby finding himself again in God's love. In his eightieth year, he died peacefully, embraced in the arms of the Lord whom he had loved and served. His writings have been appreciated for the last three hundred years by thousands of believers.