The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 16~Letters: 2-3

In the second letter,  which we'll read today, Brother Lawrence recounts the sentiments of a “fellow member” of their society, who has dedicated over forty years to religious life. (Really it’s him!) This devout individual exemplifies the essence of practicing the presence of God, illustrating how consistent devotion results in grace. We learn how this person’s soul is perpetually nourished by the divine, often feeling the presence of God so intensely that it manifests as overwhelming joy. However, Brother Lawrence cautions us about our own blindness, urging us to recognize the abundance of God's treasures and not to be satisfied with mere fleeting feelings. In the third letter, Brother Lawrence  draws our attention back to the core theme of God's presence. Here, we hear a gentle exhortation to cultivate a heart that is singularly devoted to God. He implores that we strive to always keep our hearts free of distractions, for in such emptiness, God can fill us abundantly. He expresses that the sweetest and most delightful life is found in walking continually with God, yet stresses that this relationship should be pursued not for pleasure, but out of a deep love and obligation to God.