Just when I started to write a rule…

2007 December 13
by Kevin Rains

Oak Tree


… Brother Lawrence reminds me to chill… Here are the words I read this morning that resounded deeply in my soul space: “The holiest, most common, most necessary practice in the spiritual life is the presence of God, that is to take delight in and become accustomed to His divine company, speaking humbly and talking lovingly with Him at every moment, WITHOUT RULE OR SYSTEM and especially in times of temptation, suffering, spiritual aridity, disgust and even of unfaithfulness and sin. We must continually work hard so that each of our actions is a way of carrying on little conversations with God, NOT IN ANY CAREFULLY PREPARED WAY BUT AS IT COMES FROM THE PURITY AND SIMPLICITY OF THE HEART.” ( emphasis mine… from The Practice of the Presence of God by; Image Books edition; Brother Lawrence; p. 101) The barren oak tree is a symbol of what started Brother Lawrence down the path of practicing the presence of God. It’s a powerful symbol to me for that reason (Bro Lawrence has been the single most import and helpful devotional writer for my life journey) and many other reasons as well…   Elpida tat 

4 Responses leave one →
  1. 2007 December 18
    patlo permalink

    Wow.

    That’s powerful, and hits me right where I need as well. Thanks, Kedge!

  2. 2008 April 7

    Well, I find it extraordinarily interesting

  3. 2008 April 23
    Sylvia permalink

    Who is Mark Palmer?

  4. 2009 May 24

    wat does the symbol below the tree mean? and where did you find the graphic of that tree. That tattoo is an awsome and meaningful symbol.

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