Friday, June 09, 2006

A (very late) beginning

OK, I have a confession: I just got my copy of Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God two days ago. Yen would certainly not be surprised at this obvious display of procrastination.

The book begins with some thoughts under the heading 'A Pilgrim's Prayer,' which goes as follows:

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Lord of all pots and pans and things...
Make me a saint by getting meals
And washing up the plates!


Thus Brother Lawrence was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial task into a living hymn to the glory of God.

The conversation and letters of this humble but exalted lay brother have been compiled to show all of us how, at any moment and in any circumstance, the soul that seeks the companionship of God may find Him.
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I am struck by two things:

Firstly, the phrase 'a living hymn to the glory of God.'

Secondly, the idea that 'the soul that seeks the companionship of God may find Him.'


It is in the spirit of riding these two 'thematic waves' that I undertake the study of this book and meditation upon the thoughts therein.

2 comments:

this girl said...

'a living hymn to the glory of God.'

nice.

Anonymous said...

Excellent, love it! »