The Practice of the Presence of God In Modern English

by Brother Lawrence

I told you in my last letter that God sometimes permits bodily diseases in order to cure problems of the soul. Have courage then. Make a virtue of necessity. Don’t ask God for deliverance from your pain, but for strength to bear it resolutely. Bear it for the love of Him, as much as He wills, for as long as He wills it. Such prayers are against our nature, yet they are most acceptable to God, and sweet to those who love Him. Love sweetens pain. When one loves God, one suffers for His sake with joy and courage. I urge you to comfort yourself with Him, who is the only Physician able to cure all our maladies. He is the Father of the afflicted, and He is always available to help us. He loves us infinitely more than we can imagine. Love Him in return, and do not seek consolation elsewhere. I hope you will soon receive it. Adieu. I will be praying for you, as poor as my prayers are. I shall be always yours in our Lord.