What's it about?
It's about a monk who lived over 300 years ago. Brother Lawrence wasn't
a great spiritual leader, a learned theologian or a political force in his day.
He was none of the things that you might expect from someone still read 3 centuries
after their death. He worked in the kitchen of his monastery. What
made him remarkable was the way in which he turned every thing he did over to
God, and sought to be aware of God's presence in all that he did.
The book is made up of several parts, gathered together after his death:
a series of conversations with him, as recorded by a friend, a collection of
letters he wrote, some spiritual maxims and a brief biography, again written
by a friend. It's probably worth reading this last bit first, to help
put the rest in context.
What did you like about it?
I was struggling being at home full time with a 2 year old when I first read
this. I had ambitions to do great things for God, to teach and lead, and
have an impact on people. But it felt like I just spent all day doing
menial jobs, changing nappies, cooking and housework. These gobbled up
all my time and energy. Reading this book really changed my attitude.
What Brother Lawrence learnt in his monastery kitchen, was that even the
most tedious job can be done gladly if we do it for God. He would be in
conversation with God as he worked, and lift every concern and worry up to him
straight away. If he sinned, or moved away from God, he would just ask
for forgiveness and then carry on his close walk with God.
It helped me so much to be reminded how much God can be involved in the mundane
and ordinary. Everything we do matters to God, as opportunities to learn
to walk more closely with him.
What didn't you like?
The book feels disjointed and incomplete - mainly because it's a compilation
of pieces from different sources rather than a deliberate presentation of ideas.
If I'm picky, I would say I find the tone a little annoying at times. Brother
Lawrence can make it sound so easy to stay in God's presence all day long. To
be fair, though, he had been practising for 40 years, which I guess would help!
What will you still remember a year from now?
That any time at all can be an opportunity to follow God and move closer
to him.
Who would you recommend this book to?
Anyone who feels trapped and frustrated by the ordinariness of life, and
seeks to deepen their relationship with God.
Can you give us a couple of good quotes from the book?
"He was content doing even the smallest chore if he could do it for
the love of God"
"We can make our heart a chapel where we can go anytime to talk to God
privately. These conversations can be so loving and gentle, and anyone
can have them."
"Take courage! God often allows us to go through difficulties
to purify our souls and to teach us to rely on him more....When the difficulties
are at their worst, go to Him humbly and lovingly - as a child goes to a loving
father - and ask for the help you need from His grace."
