Brother Lawrence
Brother Lawrence: A Life of Devotion and Simplicity
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Nicolas Herman, also known as Brother Lawrence, was a French monk who lived a life of simplicity and devotion. He is often referred to as the "Simple Soul" or "The Practice of the Presence of God".
Birth and Death Dates
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Brother Lawrence was born in 1614 in Homblieres, France. He passed away on February 12, 1691, at the age of 77.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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French, Monk
Brother Lawrence dedicated his life to God as a Carmelite monk in the city of Paris. His humility and dedication earned him recognition among his peers and superiors.
Early Life and Background
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Nicolas Herman was born into a family of modest means. Little is known about his childhood, but it is believed that he received a classical education before joining the Carmelite order at the age of 18. He took the name Brother Lawrence upon entering the monastery.
As a young monk, Brother Lawrence struggled with spiritual doubts and uncertainties, which are common among those seeking a deeper relationship with God. However, through prayer, contemplation, and devotion, he eventually found peace and contentment in his faith.
Major Accomplishments
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Brother Lawrence's life was marked by humility, simplicity, and obedience to his superiors. He is best known for his book "The Practice of the Presence of God", a collection of letters and conversations that demonstrate his commitment to living a life of devotion and prayer.
His accomplishments can be summarized as follows:
Developed a deep understanding of the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God
Demonstrated the value of simplicity, humility, and obedience in one's spiritual journey
Shared his insights on prayer, contemplation, and the importance of being present in the momentNotable Works or Actions
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The most notable work associated with Brother Lawrence is "The Practice of the Presence of God", a compilation of letters, conversations, and spiritual reflections. This book provides valuable insights into his life and spiritual journey.
Other notable works include:
Letters to various individuals seeking guidance on their spiritual paths
Conversations with his superiors and fellow monksImpact and Legacy
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Brother Lawrence's legacy extends far beyond his own time and place. His writings have inspired countless people around the world, encouraging them to cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
His emphasis on simplicity, humility, and obedience has made him a beloved figure in Christian spirituality. He is often quoted or referenced by those seeking guidance on their spiritual journeys.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Brother Lawrence's quotes and writings are widely remembered for several reasons:
His emphasis on the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God has resonated with people across cultures and denominations.
His commitment to simplicity, humility, and obedience serves as an example to those seeking a deeper spiritual life.
His writings provide practical guidance on prayer, contemplation, and living in the present moment.
In conclusion, Brother Lawrence's life was a testament to the power of devotion, simplicity, and humility. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world, making him one of the most beloved figures in Christian spirituality.
Quotes by Brother Lawrence
Brother Lawrence's insights on:
The most important discovery of my whole life is that one can take a little rough cabin and transform it into a palace just by flooding it with God.
Love sweetens pains; and when one loves GOD, one suffers for His sake with joy and courage. Do you so, I beseech you; comfort yourself with Him, who is the only Physician of all our maladies. He is the FATHER of the afflicted, always ready to help us. He loves us infinitely more than we imagine: love Him then, and seek not consolation elsewhere.
That he had no scruples; for, said he, when I fail in my duty, I readily acknowledge it, saying, I am used to do so: I shall never do otherwise, if I am left to myself. I fail not, then I give GOD thanks, acknowledging the strength comes from Him.
That when he began his business, he said to GOD, with a filial trust in Him, “O my GOD, since Thou art with me, and I must now, in obedience to Thy commands, apply my mind to these outward things, I beseech Thee to grant me the grace to continue in Thy Presence; and to this end do Thou prosper me with Thy assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections.
This made me resolve to give the all for the all; so after having given myself wholly to GOD, that He might take away my sin, I renounced, for the love of Him, everything that was not He; and I began to live as if there was none but He and I in the world.
The Presence of God is an applying of our spirit to GOD, or a realization of GOD as present, which is borne home to us either by the imagination or by the understanding.
Give Him thanks, if you please, with me, for His great goodness towards me, which I can never sufficiently admire, for the many favors He has done to so miserable a sinner as I am. May all things praise Him. Amen.
I AM in pain to see you suffer so long; what gives me some ease, and sweetens the feeling I have of your griefs, is that they are proofs of GOD’s love towards you: see them in that view, and you will bear them more easily.
I made this my business as much all the day long as at the appointed times of prayer; for at all times, every hour, every minute, even in the height of my business, I drove away from my mind everything that was capable of interrupting my thought of GOD. Such has been my common practice ever since I entered in religion; and, though I have done it very imperfectly, yet I have found great advantages by it.
That as he knew his obligation to love GOD in all things, and as he endeavored so to do, he had no need of a director to advise him, but that he needed much a Confessor to absolve him. That he was very sensible of his faults, but not discouraged by them; that he confessed them to GOD, but did not plead against Him to excuse them. When he had so done, he peaceably resumed his usual practice of love and adoration.