brother lawrence

“ Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone. ”

“ Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think. ”

“ We must do our business faithfully; without trouble or disquiet, recalling our mind to God mildly, and with tranquility, as often as we find it wandering from Him. ”

“ I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the practice of the presence of God. For my part I keep myself retired with Him in the depth of centre of my soul as much as I can; and while I am so with Him I fear nothing; but the least turning from Him is insupportable. ”

“ To worship God in truth is to recognize Him for being who He is, and to recognize ourselves for what we are. ”

“ Let us occupy ourselves entirely in knowing God. The more we know Him, the more we will desire to know Him. As love increases with knowledge, the more we know God, the more we will truly love Him. We will learn to love Him equally in times of distress or in times of great joy. ”

“ I drove away from my mind everything capable of spoiling the sense of the presence of God....I just make it my business to persevere in His holy presence...My soul has had an habitual, silent, secret conversation with God. ”

“ Let us thus think often that our only business in this life is to please God, that perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity. ”

“ Let us think often that our only business in this life is to please God. Perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity. ”

“ I did not pray for any relief, but I prayed for strength to suffer with courage, humility and love. ”