We’re reading The Practice of the Presence of God, with Spiritual Maxims, by Brother Lawrence.
The Practice of the Presence of God is a text compiled by Father Joseph de Beaufort of the wisdom and teachings of Brother Lawrence, a 17th century Carmelite monk. It is a collection of his letters, and records made, by other participants in them, of his conversations. A constant theme is the development of an awareness of the presence of God.
Brother Lawrence (c. 1614 – February 12, 1691) was a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery, who is today most commonly remembered for the closeness of his relationship to God as recorded in the classic Christian text.
Irene is recovering from the root canal performed this morning. Performing a root canal is routine. However, the defining issue in Irene’s circumstances is the notion of adding the root canal and pending dental issues to her already challenging days.
I agree with the writer of the classic “Foreword” ….
The Practice of the Presence of God is a spiritual classic, which means it is contemporaneous with every age. It is not easy to read such a classic, however. Though its values are perennial, its structure and language are not. I get bogged down in it from time to time and need to read in shorter sittings to keep my fresh and open. Lawrence requires careful attention, reflection, and even study.
Four chapters of the book are dedicated to the theme of SUFFERING.
We share Chapter 11 in its entirety:
I do not pray that you may be delivered from your pains, but I pray God earnestly that he would give you strength and patience to bear them as long as He pleases. Comfort yourself with Him who holds you fastened to the cross. He will loose you when He thinks fit. Happy are those who suffer with Him. Accustom yourself to suffer in that manner, and seek from Him the strength to endure as much, and as long, as He shall judge to be necessary for you. The men of the world do not comprehend these truths, nor is it to be wondered at,
