Brother Lawrence

Monk, Cook

Brother Lawrence was a 17th-century Carmelite monk known for his teachings on the presence of God in daily life, particularly through his work 'The Practice of the Presence of God.'

Born
January 1, 1614
Died
February 12, 1691
Quotes
86
Rank
#4820

About Brother Lawrence

Brother Lawrence — Life and Legacy

Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk in the 17th century, is renowned for his profound insights into spirituality and the presence of God in everyday life. His most notable work, 'The Practice of the Presence of God,' articulates a unique approach to faith that emphasizes constant awareness of God's presence in all activities. He believed that even the simplest tasks could become acts of worship when performed with love and mindfulness. One of his key ideas is that true spirituality is not confined to formal prayer or rituals but can be integrated into daily routines. He famously stated that 'we can do little things for God,' highlighting how small acts, when done with love, hold great significance. This perspective challenges the notion that spirituality must be grand or extraordinary, inviting individuals to find holiness in the mundane. Brother Lawrence's teachings continue to resonate today, as they offer a pathway to deepen one's faith amidst the busyness of modern life. His quotes inspire individuals to cultivate a sense of divine presence, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for spiritual connection.

Quote collection

Brother Lawrence quotes (page 1 of 5)

86 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"The most holy and necessary practice in our spiritual life is the presence of God. That means finding constant pleasure in His divine company, speaking humbly and lovingly with him in all seasons, at every moment, without limiting the conversation in any way."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"And it is not necessary to have great things to do. I turn my little omelette in the pan for the love of God."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"The time of business does not differ with me from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were on my knees."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"To worship God in truth is to recognize Him for being who He is, and to recognize ourselves for what we are."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"I have abandoned all particular forms of devotion, all prayer techniques. My only prayer practice is attention. I carry on a habitual, silent, and secret conversation with God that fills me with overwhelming joy."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can. 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."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"In order to know God, we must often think of Him; and when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"We can do little things for God; I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of him, and that done, if there is nothing else to call me, I prostrate myself in worship before him, who has given me grace to work; afterwards I rise happier than a king."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"My God, since you are with me and since, by Your will, I must occupy myself with external things, please grant me the grace to remain with You, in Your presence. Work with me, so that my work might be the very best. Receive as an offering of love both my work and all my affections."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"Do not be discouraged by the resistance you will encounter from your human nature; you must go against your human inclinations. Often, in the beginning, you will think that you are wasting time, but you must go on, be determined and persevere in it until death, despite all the difficulties."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"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."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"Lord of all pots and pans and things make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates!"

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"One way to recollect the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquillity, is not to let it wander too far at other times. You should keep it strictly in the presence of God; and being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wanderings."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"Men invent means and methods of coming at God''s love, they learn rules and set up devices to remind them of that love, and it seems like a world of trouble to bring oneself into the consciousness of God''s presence. Yet it might be so simple. Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of him?"

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"There is no sweeter manner of living in the world than continuous communion with God."

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Brother Lawrence Monk, Cook
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"You need not cry very loud; he is nearer to us than we think."

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