Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection- Carmelite Lay Brother

The call to Carmel is certainly a "way of life," because of our promise of particular obligations of the spiritual life, but it is also something much, much more. It should become for us a "state of being." Brother Lawrence definitely experienced deep union with God and so can teach us about living continually in the presence of God in his book, The Practice of the Presence of God.
I first read this book about 25 years ago, and it made a deep impression on me. His book was the primary influence in helping me to begin the road of prayer and meditation.

Brother Lawrence is a great example of spiritual tenacity and the power of the Holy Spirit's gift of Perseverance working in a soul, because he struggled for the first 10 years of his spiritual life. He states that after practicing the presence of God he suddenly (in one day) experienced profound peace. A peace that did not leave him for the rest of his life. In his own words: "As often as I could, I placed myself as a worshipper before him, fixing my mind upon his holy presence, recalling it when I found it wandering from him. This proved to be an exercise frequently painful, but I persisted through all the difficulties."

In the Eastern Church, the early Church fathers, referred to this practice of the presence of God, as either holy remembering or refraining from forgetfulness of God. From the Philokalia,Vol. III: "From dawn we should stand bravely and unflinchingly at the gate of our heart, with true remembrance of God and unceasing prayer of Jesus Christ in the soul; and keeping watch with the intellect...."

Brother Lawrence was a humble monk who worked in the monastery kitchen among the pots and pans. He was often overlooked even among his own brothers as someone who could possess great holiness. As Carmelites, let's not overlook this holy brother of ours who has much to teach us in finding God in the chores of every day Life. In his humble way and teaching he paved the way for another great Carmelite and her charism: St. Therese and her "Little Way."

For Carmelites the "Little Way" is not just a way of life of sentimental devotion. If we are living in union with God, our heaven begins now, as Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity teaches us. Brother Lawrence shows us the door to heaven by practicing continually the presence of God. Heaven- a state of being- that is union with God.

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds