Lectio et Oratio

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What is the true foundation of our search for God?

Faith, Hope, and Charity. In letter 12, Br Lawrence highlights some graces he was given before he realized the importance of the practice of the presence of God. If we are searching for God, we must know that He is already searching for us. We want God by his own gifts, especially the gifts of faith and hope. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, St Paul writes. By faith we know how great and powerful God is. By hope, we want to be in a relationship of love with God. By love, we prefer that love to all other things. The practice of the presence of God is built on faith in God"s presence, hope in his help, and love for the one who dwells in our heart.

Why would God ever allow us to lose a loved one?

To make more room for Him. In letter 10, Brother Lawrence discusses the death of a beloved friend. He tries to console the person left behind. He points his friend to God. In the face of great loss, there is one thing to do: turn to God. Live in his presence. Open oneself to his Love.

Should we always pray to have a trial taken away?

No. In letter 11, Br Lawrence distinguishes between a trial and the way we endure the trial. Br Lawrence does not always ask for the trial to be taken away but rather for the strength to bear this trial for as long as God wills. Br Lawrence has some very special trials, trials that he shares with other saints. The greater the holiness, the greater the trials God allows his servants to endure. But he never allows us to be tested beyond the strength He gives us.

Why would God ever allow us to lose a loved one?

To make more room for Him. In letter 10, Brother Lawrence discusses the death of a beloved friend. He tries to console the person left behind. He points his friend to God. In the face of great loss, there is one thing to do: turn to God. Live in his presence. Open oneself to his Love.

Do I have to pray in a church?

In letter 9, Br Lawrence dispels the idea that we have to be in church to pray. He wants us to make a little church, a little chapel, an oratory in our hearts. There we can be with God.

What is the beginning of the practice of the presence of God?

Thinking of God. In letter 8, Br Lawrence encourages a nun whom he knows well to try and think of God during the day. We cannot hope to love Him and want to be with him during the day without thinking of him. The more we love Him, however, the more we will want to think of him. The goal is not simply to think of God, but to lean on Him for the daily help we need to avoid spiritual dangers. To live in a way that pleases God, we must have his assistance. The more we ask, the more He assists us. The more we live with God, the more we will ask.

What should we be on guard against during our time of mental prayer?

Long discourses. In letter 7, Br Lawrence warns us about making long discourses. He says that they encourage distractions. Br Lawrence is encouraging a much simpler kind of prayer. He is encouraging us to focus less on ourselves and more on God. The kind of prayer is he is discussing is hard to understand without some experience of it. The soul is meant to rest in a loving knowledge of God's presence. The soul is not being asked to make long speeches about all its problems. Be still and know that I am God.