brother lawrence

maybe you've heard of a guy named brother lawrence (a.k.a. nicholas herman, who lived from 1605 to 1691). maybe not. well, he was from france, lived most of his life in a monastery (often working as a helper in the kitchen), and is probably most well known for his book THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD (which is a collection of his writings). since we focused on hearing God's voice this past weekend at our fall retreat, here's a quote from brother lawrence:

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; YET I DO NOT ADVISE YOU TO DO IT FROM THAT MOTIVE. IT IS NOT PLEASURE THAT WE OUGHT TO SEEK IN THIS EXERCISE; BUT LET US DO IT FROM A PRINCIPLE OF LOVE, AND BECAUSE GOD WOULD HAVE US.

like we had a chance to do on our retreat, we regularly need to have time alone and in silence with God - getting away from the noise of the world that constantly surrounds us. there, we can learn to recognize His voice. but we also need to learn to hear God in the midst of the noise. i think that's what paul meant by praying continually (1 thessalonians 5:17). having a continual conversation with God. creating space in the noise to connect with God. talking to Him when you have a moment between classes, at your locker, on your way home from school...whenever. why? because it's an expression of our love for God. and God wants to guide your thoughts/words/actions all the time.

MP