The Practice of the Presence of God In Modern English

by Brother Lawrence

he committed himself to God, saying, “Lord, I cannot do this unless You enable me.” Then he received more than sufficient strength.

When it was time to do something, he looked to God.

No overthinking

In the beginning of the spiritual life, we ought to be faithful in doing our duty and denying ourselves. After that, unspeakable pleasures followed.

God regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which the work is done. We should not be surprised if in the beginning we often fail in our endeavors.

The greater perfection a soul aspires for, the more dependent it is upon Divine grace.

No fear of being sensitive to God presence, of doing as he wishes and receiving what i need. No fear of being dependant, as spiritual loneliness can feel like freedom but it is just raw loneliness. No fear or embarrassment of searching for spiritual fulfilment, and much less, searching for it in God.

"O my God, You are with me, and I must now, in obedience to Your commands, apply my mind to these outward things.

"The time of work," he said, "is not different for me than the time of prayer. In the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several people are calling out at the same time for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament."

Sometimes I was troubled with the idea that to believe I had received the blessing of the presence of God was arrogance.

It is a habitual, silent, and secret communion of the soul with God.

The connection with God can be private, doesn't have to be seen to be real. I will never deny I believe -it is an insult for Him to be ashamed of the love you hold-, but I don't need to prove it to anyone. He knows me.

We must do our activities faithfully, without trouble or anxiety. We are to bring our mind back to God gently and quietly whenever we find it wandering from Him.

Do not restrict yourself to certain religious rules or forms of devotion. Instead act with a general trust in God, with love and humility.

Worry and anxiety distract the mind rather than focus it. The will must bring the mind back in tranquility. If you persevere in this manner, God will be gracious to you.

meditate often on God,

I see Him so clearly that sometimes I want to say, “I do not believe any longer; I see!”

Such prayers are against our nature,

waiting on God, a silent conversation with Him, a rest in Him, or the life and peace of the Soul.

It is a grace which God bestows only on very few chosen souls.

End of the Book -- A new (the old) way of Christianity. No dogma, no mandatory practices. Only love, an eternal communion, an entire life of meditation, surrender, silence and connection to what's inside of us: God.