Brother Lawrence Letter #1

John Baiamonte, Ph.D.

Grace Memorial Parishioner, Vestry Member, and Christian Education Leader

This is the first in a series exploring the life and writings of Brother Lawrence. You can find the book this study will be using here. All are encouraged to answer the discussion questions in the comments section below and also gather for group discussions on Thursday afternoons at 3pm beginning on Thursday, July 30 and ending on Thursday, August 27.

Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, born Nicolas Herman (c. 1614 - February 12,1691), was a French Catholic religious brother who served at a discalced (barefoot) Carmelite monastery now known is Saint-Joseph-des-Carmes in Paris. He is best remembered for a posthumous compilation of his writings, The Practice of the Presence of God, a classic Christian text that I read many years ago. For the life of me, I cannot remember who or what caused me to read his writings. However, I have read it more than once, and daily I randomly read some underline passages. It is profoundly a spiritual classic.

If you wish to know more about Brother Lawrence, you can read my previous blog here and your
book (click here to get your own copy). If there are certain aspects of his life that you wish to explore, please let me know, and I will prepare more material on his life.

Although the book also contains four conversations, we will only be studying his letters because these are considered to be the heart and soul of his thoughts. All of these letters were written in the last ten years of his life. Many of them were written to long-time friends, a Carmelite sister and a sister at a nearby convent. One or both of these friends were from his native village, perhaps even relatives.

The conversations are edited transcripts of four interviews between Brother Lawrence and his associate Joseph de Beaufort in 1666. We are only sure of his thoughts and philosophy found in his letters. If you wish to study his conversations, please feel free to do so.

This first letter was probably written to the prioress of one of the nearby convents on June 1, 1682. The theme of this letter is that he was confused by the diverse and complex methods found in spiritual books at the monastery. So, he decided to live “My God, here I am, all Yours: Lord make me according to Your heart.”

DISCUSSION ONE: Do you think that Brother Lawrence has surrendered himself to God with this statement?

The Thirty Years’ War was fought primarily in Central Europe between 1618 and 1648. Its causes were derived from religious conflicts between the Catholics and Protestants and resulted in 4.5 to 8 million casualties. Before becoming a monk, he served in the war as a French soldier because he was starving from poverty. He was captured by the German army and threatened with hanging on suspicion of being a spy. Having suffered a serious leg injury, he would have a life-long impairment that caused him chronic pain and limited his mobility for the rest of his life.

DISCUSSION TWO: Which events of the war might have played a role in his decision to enter the monastery and later begin his “practice of the presence of God”? Was the war the direct catalyst for his spiritual awakening at the age of 18?

Brother Lawrence stated that “God has infinite treasures to give us and still we are satisfied with a brief passing moment of piety…. But when He finds a soul imbued with a living faith, He pours into it His graces in abundance.”

DISCUSSION THREE: Is Brother Lawrence admitting that he is “a soul imbued with a living faith” and God has poured into him His graces in an overwhelming flood?

DISCUSSION FOUR: Does Brother Lawrence believe he has reached a point in his life where “Death is close behind us” and he must make way for God’s grace?

DISCUSSION FIVE: On which Gospels passage is he calling on here: “We must persevere since in the spiritual life not to advance is to retreat, but those who have been breathed on by the Holy Spirt move forward even while sleeping; if the vessel of our soul is still battered by winds or by storm, let us call on our Lord who rests therein. He will soon calm the sea.”

FINAL DISCUSSION: Do you think Brother Lawrence’s mystical experience in his union with God happen over time, bit by bit through a journey aided by spiritual discipline and prayer?

Today’s Exercise:  Every time you notice your mind wandering toward a worry, a distraction, or a trivial thought, do not get angry with yourself.  Simply and gently whisper, “Lord, I am back,” and return to a sense of God’s presence.  Do this as many times as necessary in a day, even in the “height of your work.”

All are encouraged to use the comments section below to share your answers to the discussion questions, a reflection on the daily exercise, and any thoughts or questions you may have. Additionally, you may join an in-person discussion in the parish hall on Thursdays at 3PM beginning on Thursday, July 30 and ending on Thursday, August 27.