A Lovely Shade Of Blue: Prayer Throughout The Day
...The Practice of the Presence of God has a beautifully simple message. We can open ourselves to God by remembering him and talking to him throughout the day...
Claire George Introduces us to a book by a 17th Century French monk.
In his sermon this week Father Steve mentioned a little book written by Brother Lawrence, a monk in 17th-century France. Father Steve recommended Brother Lawrence's book because it explains how to make following God a part of daily life.
The Practice of the Presence of God has a beautifully simple message. We can open ourselves to God by remembering him and talking to him throughout the day. Brother Lawrence worked in the kitchen at his monastery and dedicated everything he did to God. This gave him a lovely sense of calm even when the kitchen was at its busiest. Brother Lawrence said:
"The time of business ... does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clutter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquillity as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament."
There are many different ways to pray. A lot of people benefit from structured practices such as saying prayers at the same time each day or imagining they are in a Bible story. As a monk Brother Lawrence set periods aside each day for formal prayer. However, for him formal exercises were not enough. He preferred to think about God's love throughout the day.
Brother Lawrence's words are guidance to those Christians who do not find structured prayer helpful. Modern advice can sometimes give the impression that the best prayer is disciplined and organised. Brother Lawrence shows the benefits of following a prayer path that encourages you to talk to God often and in a spontaneous, conversational way.
"Pray remember what I have recommended to you, which is, to think often on God, by day, by night, in your business, and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave Him not alone. You would think it rude to leave a friend alone, who came to visit you: why then must God be neglected?"
You can read an English translation of Brother Lawrence's book at this website. http://prayerfoundation.org/booktexts/z_brother_lawrence_001_index.htm
