Carmelite spirituality is often a very simple one. Such was Br Lawrence’s faith, to: “practice the presence of God” in his everyday life.
Nicholas Herman was born in 1605 in France, into a Christian family. As a young man he joined the armed services, until injury forced him to retire.
Nicholas resolved to give himself wholly to God, and to make amends for his past. However, he struggled with his sinfulness and the corruption of the world. Finally, he made a firm resolution to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Nicholas then tried a solitary life in the desert but found himself unsettled by his constantly changing emotions.
He then chose to live in a Christian community: “Life within such a group would be based on the firm rock of Jesus Christ rather than on the shifting sands of temporary, individual devotion.” (Ref: A = “The practice of the presence of God, by Brother Lawrence.”)At the age of 26, Herman entered the Carmelite Order in Paris. He took the name “Brother Lawrence,” and remained a lay brother in that community until his death in 1691. Brother Lawrence led an outwardly simple life in the monastery. Times of regular community and private prayers, during which he was very devout; interspersed with carrying out his daily work.
Brother Lawrence was given the humblest tasks, spending most of his working life in the monastery kitchen. He never complained. He focused his attention on doing everyday things, to the best of his ability, for God. In this way he sought to keep his soul in the presence of God throughout all hours of the day and night.“God does not ask much of you. But remembering Him, praising Him, asking for His grace, offering Him your troubles, or thanking Him for what He has given you will console you all the time.” (Ref: A.)
As Carmelites today, we like Br Lawrence, strive to ‘live between 2 worlds.’ In our ‘inner world,’ we walk the path of faith and hope towards eternity with God. Simultaneously, in the ‘outside world,’ we must carry out our daily tasks and responsibilities.“It isn’t necessary that we stay in church in order to remain in God’s presence. We can make our hearts personal chapels where we can enter anytime to talk to God privately. These conversations can be so loving and gentle, anyone can have them” (Ref: A.) Learning to practice the presence of God in our own lives takes time and perseverance. It may be particularly difficult when we have periods of trials or difficulties. As Br Lawrence discovered, during his desert time, we are sometimes unsettled by our constantly changing emotions. However, we do not put our faith, hope and trust in the events that happen in our lives. We put them in a person – our God, who never changes and never leaves us alone.“Do not be upset in the time of adversity. Hold fast to the Lord, do not separate yourself from Him. Have confidence in him and he will take care of you; follow the right path and hope in him.” (Ref: Sir 2:2,3,6.)
Br Lawrence as well as being an excellent role model, offered practical advice on how to consciously walk in God’s presence:“Faithfully practice God’s presence: gently, humbly, without anxiety.The soul’s eyes must be kept on God, particularly when something is being done in the outside world. Time and effort are needed to perfect this practice, so do not be discouraged by failure. Although the habit is difficult to form, it is a source of divine pleasure once it is learned.
It is the heart whose attention we must carefully focus on God. Remember to keep the mind from wandering and returning to the world.In the beginning it would not be wrong to offer short phrases that are inspired by love, such as ‘God of love, I love you with all my heart.’ Or ‘Lord use me according to your will.’”Br Lawrence also tells us the benefits to be gained from learning to remain in the presence of God:“Our faith is livelier and more active everywhere in our lives. The soul can actually see and feel God by simply entering his presence. It invokes him easily and obtains what it needs.Our hope increases as our faith penetrates God’s secrets through practice of our holy exercise. The soul discovers the beauty of God. The will rejoices at being set apart from the world… the soul is always with God…whom the soul loves so dearly.”
Br Lawrence’s meditation “became so natural to him that he passed the last 40 years of his life in continuous practice of the presence of God.” (Ref: A)
Pope Francis encourages us to be “pilgrims of hope.” Practising the presence of God every day means that we, too, can be aware of God, our loving and ever-present companion, as we journey through this Jubilee year.
Nikki Sheader. The Secular Institute of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
