Friday, February 08, 2008

"...one hearty renunciation..."

I'm sitting here at our computer in the office and just wanted to share these quotes with you guys. They are from the book, The Practice of the Presence of God. I haven't finished it yet, but have found much insight to gain from Brother Lawrence, the man from which the author is writing. The verses of Scripture that come to mind when reading have brought so much joy to my heart the last couple of days. His Word is perfect Truth, the problem isn't there. The problem is with me...us- imperfect man. So many times I have found myself in this place of fear...will I obey?....truly I am saying that I don't believe Him. Yes, I might believe in Him- even the demons do. But do I believe Him?! And the father of the child said with tears, "Lord, I believe, Help thou mine unbelief." He loves me and knows me from the inside out. His gentle little whisper has come again, "Trust Me."

“That many do not advance in the Christian progress, because they stick in penances and particular exercises, while they neglect the love of God, which is the end. That this appeared plainly by their works, and was the reason why we see so little solid virtue. That there needed neither art nor science for going to God, but only a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love Him only.”

“He told me that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything which we are sensible does not lead to God.”

“…And that when the appointed times of prayer were past, he found no difference, because he still continued with God, praising and blessing Him with all his might, so that he passed his life in continual joy; yet hoped that God would give him somewhat to suffer, when he should grow stronger.”

“The time of business, said he, does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clutter 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 upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.”




1 comment:

Susan Renstrom said...

I appreciated this post and the quotes that were given here. There's much to meditate on, but I particularly like being reminded that in the busy times of life, I can be as close to God as when I'm in quiet meditation. That's what "pray without ceasing" is all about. As parents of little ones, you know what "busy" is. How great to know that caring for those precious boys that God has entrusted you with can be as much an act of worship as time spent quietly on your knees.