The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 17~Letters: 4-5

The fourth letter, addressed to a Reverend Mother, reveals Brother Lawrence's wisdom on the appropriate use of devotional practices. While acknowledging the importance of these practices as pathways to experiencing God’s presence, he emphasizes that they should not become ends in themselves. Instead, he guides us to focus on maintaining a heart that rests in the Divine, asserting that the true exercise of devotion involves a heartfelt connection with God, free from the constraints of ritualism. In the fifth letter to Madame, Brother Lawrence extends his heartfelt counsel, urging her to shift her focus towards a life dedicated to worshiping God. He gently reminds her that divine companionship can be nurtured even amidst daily responsibilities; one does not need to confine their prayers to the church. Imagery of the heart as a personal oratory is used beautifully to convey how one can cultivate a constant awareness of God in any situation.