People You Should Know | Brother Lawrence

Update:
City & A Hill is paused for now. While I loved working on this project, talking to people, listening and thinking about what they said, various life changes caused this to be set aside for now. I hope to continue this either as a podcast or in another form. For now, you can find me on YouTube or take a course with A Sweet Savor Bible School.

Summary:
In today’s episode, explore the life of Brother Lawrence, a quiet monk who's  'Practice of the Presence of God' made a huge impact. We’ll join a Zoom class for a youth summer camp, talk about this special individual and learn how to apply his lessons to our daily walk with God. All the quotes and Bible verses used in the class are below.

More about Brother Lawrence:
Nicolas Herman (1614-1691) took the name Lawrence of the Resurrection when he became a monk at the age of 30. He was the monastary's cook for 30 years and the sandal maker once the kitchen became too demanding. Though a simple man he became known throughout France for his habit of ‘practicing the presence of God’ and his uncommon peace in all situations. His advice was even sought after by religious greats such as Father Fenelon.

Brother Lawrence’s book can be found wherever books are sold under the title, The Practice of the Presence of God.

Special thanks to Eric Hao for the music in the episode!

Quotes used in the episode:

• he called himself ‘a big awkward fellow, always breaking things.’

• For the first years, I usually employed myself during the times set apart for devotion with thoughts of death, judgement, heaven, hell, my sins
  (This pattern continued for some years)

• The rest of the day, I applied my mind, even in the flow of business, to the presence of God. I considered Him always with me and in me.

• At length I began to practice the presence at the times set apart.
  When I finally saw what was happening, my heart leapt for joy! And comfort leapt over me.

• When sometimes he had not thought of God for quite some time, he did not allow himself to get upset;
  But after acknowledging his wretchedness before God, he returned to Him with much greater trust.

• Something about forgetting Him stimulated remembering Him.
  This, too, he found true in the fresh discovery of God: 
  the trust we put in God honors Him very much and draws great help right down to us.

• When I fail in duty, I acknowledge my error immediately, admitting I often make mistakes, and cannot improve if left to myself.

• Dear God, I shall never do better if you leave me to myself; You only can keep me from falling; You alone can mend what I have broken.

The first quote is taken from Wikipedia -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brother_Lawrence

The rest are from Donald E. Demaray’s edition published by the Society of St. Paul (1997)

Bible Verses used in the episode:
1 John 1: 6 & 9 (ESV) 

• v.6 If we say we have fellowship with him (God) while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
• v.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.