Sermon Central
-
Brother Lawrence And Disciplines
Contributed by Sermon Central on Jul 10, 2009 (message contributor)
BROTHER LAWRENCE AND DISCIPLINES
Around 1610, a child was born in France by the name Nichols Herman. Later in life, he would become known as Brother Lawrence. As a young man, he fought in the Thirty Years War and sustained a near fatal His injury to his sciatic nerve. The injury left him quite crippled and in chronic pain for the rest of his life. Young Nichols was educated both at home and by his parish priest. He felt drawn to a life of faith and love for God.
Before entering the monastic life, he spent a period of time in the wilderness living like one of the early desert fathers. At mid-life, he entered a newly established monastery in Paris, where he became the cook for the community. In time, the monastery grew to over one hundred members. After fifteen years, his duties were shifted to the sandal repair shop, but even then he often returned to the busy kitchen to help out.
Brother Lawrence discovered and followed a pure and uncomplicated way to walk continually in God’s presence, to maintain a quiet time with God throughout the day, no matter what his schedule had in store for him. For some forty years, he lived and walked with the understand that God was at his side. Yet, through his own words, we learn that Brother Lawrence’s first ten years were full of severe trials and challenges.
A gentle man of joyful spirit, Brother Lawrence shunned attention and the limelight, knowing that outside distractions "spoils all." It was not until after his death that a few of his letters were collected. Joseph de Beaufort, counsel to the Paris archbishop, first published the letters in a small pamphlet. The following year, in a second publication which he titled, "The Practice of the Presence of God," de Beaufort included, as introductory material, the content of four conversations he had with Brother Lawrence.
In this small book, through letters and conversations, Brother Lawrence simply and beautifully explains how to continually walk with God - not from the head but from the heart. Brother Lawrence left the gift of a way of life available to anyone who seeks to know God’s peace and presence - that anyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can practice anywhere, anytime. Brother Lawrence also left the gift of a direct approach to living in God’s presence that is as practical today as it was three hundred years ago.
Brother Lawrence died in 1691, having practiced God’s presence for over forty years. His quiet death was much like his monastic life where each day and each hour was a new beginning and a fresh commitment to love God with all his heart.
Brother Lawrence demonstrated the importance of maintaining a relationship with God. I don’t expect all of us to go out and join a monastery, but I do ask you to spend some quality time each day with God.
Source: From a sermon by Tom Shepard, "Building A Relationship With God -- Developing A Quiet Time" 2/20/2009
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Little Boy Was Leading His Sister Up A ... PRO
Contributed by David Elvery on Nov 14, 2004
A little boy was leading his sister up a mountain path and the way was not too easy. "Why this isn't a path at all," the little girl complained. "Its all rocky and bumpy." Her little brother kept on up the mountain, ...read more
-
Most Of Us Are Familiar With This Song – It's The ...
Contributed by Robert Marsh on Mar 22, 2005
Most of us are familiar with this song – it’s the theme from the television show Friends. But have you ever caught the lyrics to the song? They read, in part: So no one told you life was gonna be this way Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s D.O.A. It’s like you’re always stuck ...read more
-
The Other Day, Hunter My 6 Year Old Shocked Me As ...
Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 10, 2003
The other day, Hunter my 6 year old shocked me as I came in the door. He said Dad, did the trash man come yet? I said, “I think so,” he said,” Good, I will go get the trash can and bring it in.” I thought, “ I am such a great leader, I have taught my son the responsibilities of taking care of and ...read more
-
Dorothea Day's Poem "My Captain" Is The Christian ... PRO
Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Jun 30, 2005
Dorothea Day’s poem “My Captain” is the Christian response to Henley: Out of the light that dazzles me, Bright as the sun from pole to pole, I thank the God I know to be For Christ the conqueror of my Soul. Since His, the way of circumstance I would not wince nor cry aloud. Under that ...read more
-
This Bomb Was Tested Above The Arctic Circle On ...
Contributed by Tim Richards on May 24, 2005
This bomb was tested above the Arctic Circle on October 30, 1961. The explosion was so intense that the flash was visible over 600 miles away. People felt the air move over 160 miles away. Everything in a radius of 15.25 miles was completely destroyed. Very severe damage extended to a distance of ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Discipleship - Fully Devoted Followers Of Jesus Christ
Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Sep 6, 2017
We are commanded by God to "make" disciples. This message can aid in the developing of fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
-
Keep The Fire Burning
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Feb 20, 2020
A sermon addressing the need to stir up the gift that God has bestowed upon us.
-
Peter Denies Jesus Series
Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Apr 8, 2016
Peter's denial of Jesus in Luke 22:54-62 shows us the danger of following Jesus in our own power.
-
Lent From Ashes To Alms
Contributed by Bruce Lee on Feb 23, 2015
The Season of Lent is a time to live out discipleship in the world. A close look at how God rewards us as we journey these forty days of Lent From Ashes to Alms. How do you answer the call of Lent?
-
#4: Turn From Your Evil Ways Series
Contributed by Archie Luper on Jul 7, 2007
STORY: Wife goes with husband to doctor. Not good, husband has but one week to live. Extend time by cooking, rubbing feet, back, take golfing, fishing, etc. Be as affectionate as when you were first married. This might extend his life. “Honey, what did do
