The Practice of the Presence of GodLawrence, of the Resurrection, Brother
Religion
The Practice of the Presence of God
Lawrence, of the Resurrection, Brother
Christian life -- Catholic authors; Spiritual life -- Catholic Church
I have taken the liberty to impart to you these good sentiments that you
may compare them with your own. May they serve to re-kindle them, if at
any time they may be even a little cooled. Let us recall our first favors
and remember our early joys and comforts. And, let us benefit from the
example and sentiments of this brother who is little known by the world,
but known and extremely caressed by God.
I will pray for you. Please pray also for me, as I am yours in our Lord.
Fifth Letter: Today I received two books and a letter from Sister M--,
who is preparing to make her profession. She desires the prayers of your
holy society, and yours in particular. I think she greatly values your
support. Please do not disappoint her. Pray to God that she may take her
vows in view of His love alone, and with a firm resolution to be wholly
devoted to Him. I will send you one of those books about the presence of
God; a subject which, in my opinion, contains the whole spiritual life. It
seems to me that whoever duly practices it will soon become devout.
I know that for the right practice of it, the heart must be empty of all
other things; because God will possess the heart alone. As He cannot
possess it alone, without emptying it of all besides, so neither can
He act there and do in it what He pleases unless it be left vacant to
Him. There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful
than that of a continual conversation with God. Only those can comprehend
it who practice and experience it. Yet I do not advise you to do it
from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this
exercise. Let us do it from a principle of love, and because it is God's
will for us.
Were I a preacher, I would above all other things preach the practice
of the presence of God. Were I a director, I would advise all the world
to do it, so necessary do I think it, and so easy too. Ah! knew we but
the want we have of the grace and assistance of God, we would never lose
sight of Him, no, not for a moment.
Believe me. Immediately make a holy and firm resolution never more to
forget Him. Resolve to spend the rest of your days in His sacred presence,
deprived of all consolations for the love of Him if He thinks fit. Set
heartily about this work, and if you do it sincerely, be assured that
you will soon find the effects of it.
I will assist you with my prayers, poor as they are. I recommend myself
earnestly to you and those of your holy society.
Sixth Letter: I have received from M-- the things which you gave her for
me. I wonder that you have not given me your thoughts on the little book
I sent to you and which you must have received. Set heartily about the
practice of it in your old age. It is better late than never.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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