Brother Lawrence 2/27 Monday Meditation

I'm going to take a break from quoting "Pentecostal pioneers" and spend the next two weeks quoting a 17th Century French monk, Brother Lawrence. His tiny book, The Practice of the Presence of God, with Spiritual Maxims, is considered a devotional classic. Brother Lawrence's greatest contribution to Christianity was an idea that was somewhat radical for his time . . . the thought that we can live moment by moment in the presence of God, as much while at work as while at prayer. In fact, he considered appointed times of prayer to be interruptions to the communion he had with God while working in the kitchen of the monastery.

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? Do not, then forget Him, but think on Him often, adore Him continually, live and die with Him; this is the glorious employment of a Christian. In a word, this is our profession; if we do not know it, we must learn it. I will endeavor to help you with my prayers.



-- Nicholas Herman, aka Brother Lawrence