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Brother Lawrence
1611 – 1691   Practiced the presence of God

Brother Lawrence was a French monk (Carmelite) who lived from 1611 to 1691.

Prior to becoming a monk he was known as Nicholas Herman of Lorraine. Like St. Francis, as a young man he was a soldier, but after becoming a monk he lived a quiet life performing various domestic chores for his monastery.

When talking to individuals, Brother Lawrence shared information about his own repeated efforts to keep his attention riveted on God no matter what business was occupying him. He reports that eventually this continual recollection of God became effortless and filled him with peace and joy.

The spiritual secrets of a humble Brother who enjoyed closeness with God wrote the Christian classic, "Practicing the Presence of God".

From his writings

"Believe me, count as lost each day you have not used in loving God."

"At any moment and in any circumstance, the soul that seeks God may find him, and practice the presence of God."

"The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen...I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament."

Read the timeless classic, Practicing the Presence of God

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