We should fix ourselves firmly in the presence of God by conversing all the time with Him...we should feed our soul with a lofty conception of God and from that derive great joy in being his. We should put life in our faith. We should give ourselves utterly to God in pure abandonment, in temporal and spiritual matters alike, and find contentment in the doing of His will,whether he takes us through sufferings or consolations.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of a constant relationship with God, finding joy and contentment in surrendering to His will.
Brother Lawrence's quote reflects on maintaining a continuous dialogue with God as a means of spiritual nourishment. It encourages believers to embrace a life grounded in faith, where joy and contentment come not from external circumstances but from a deep, personal commitment to fulfilling God's will, regardless of whether one faces trials or blessings. This approach to faith invites a holistic dedication to spirituality, intertwining daily life with divine purpose.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a church sermon to inspire the congregation.
In order to form a habit of conversing with GOD continually, and referring all we do to Him, we must at first apply to Him with some diligence: but that after a little care we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without any difficulty.
It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God.
A little lifting of the heart suffices; a little remembrance of God, one act of inward worship are prayers which, however short, are nevertheless acceptable to God.
If the vessel of our soul is still tossed with winds and storms, let us awake the Lord, who reposes in it, and He will quickly calm the sea.
And it is not necessary to have great things to do. I turn my little omelette in the pan for the love of God.
That we ought to give ourselves up to GOD, with regard both to things temporal and spiritual, and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will, whether He lead us by suffering or by consolation, for all would be equal to a soul truly resigned
Prayer is not so much a way to find God as a way of resting in him...who loves us, who is near to us.
Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God's gift of Himself.
The words were unexpected, but so incisively true. So much of prayer is like that - an encounter with a truth that has sunk to the bottom of the heart, that wants to be found, wants to be spoken, wants to be elevated into the realm of sacredness.
We can be tired, weary and emotionally distraught, but after spending time alone with God, we find that He injects into our bodies energy, power and strength.
I try to remind myself not to go anywhere or do anything without asking for spiritual direction through prayer and meditation.
Prayer unites the soul to God.
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