7 ways to "Pray without Ceasing:" advice from Brother Lawrence

 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing ... "

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

How do we pray without ceasing?

St Paul's letter to the Thessalonians sets soul-straining standards.

To check this box, consider the life and legacy of Brother Lawrence, who offers 7 ways to maintain a constant awareness of God's presence.

Awkward and Ailing

In the year of Our Lord 1614, Nicolas Herman was born in Lorraine France, during the 30-Years’ War. A pivotal moment occurred at age 16 when he contemplated a barren winter tree and perceived in it; a sign of God’s power to similarly renew and transform the human heart.

" ... One day in winter while he was looking at a tree stripped of leaves,

he realized that in a little while its leaves would reappear

followed by its flowers and fruit.

He received a such a profound insight into God's Providence that it was never erased from his soul.

This Insight completely freed him from the world

and gave him such a love for God, that he could never say it had increased

during the years that had passed."

This simple but profoud insight became the seed of his lifelong spirituality. Driven by poverty and lack of education, young Herman joined the army. He fought in brutal campaigns, endured capture, interrogation and near execution as an alleged spy. Eventually, he was released, but a severe injury left him permanently lame. He was able to work as a valet, describing himself humorously as an “awkward fellow who broke everything.” These years of hardship, physical pain and inner searching gradually pushed him toward a deep, spiritual calling.  

Called to Consecration

At age 26, seeking a life of prayer and solitude, Herman joined the Discalced Carmelites in Paris. He chose the name Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. He feared his clumsiness would make him a burden, but instead found acceptance and peace. His daily work was humble—first as a cook, later as a sandal-maker. When his chronic pain worsened—but he embraced his tasks as opportunities -- to seek a continuous awareness of God’s presence. His simplicity, humor, and serenity drew admiration from both fellow religious and educated visitors. Despite his lowly station, Brother Lawrence became known for his profound interior peace and his ability to guide others spiritually. What were his top suggestions?

The Sandaled Soul's Secret Sauce

• Casually, keep God in your thoughts and offer every activity to Him. Return to your last Holy Communion and pick up where you left off in prayer.

• Mount a crucifix in every room. It can be as small as from a broken rosary. Rather than talking to yourself, have a continuous, humble, and loving conversation with the suffering Jesus throughout the day, especially during menial work, study, or chores.

• Keep a crucifix on your desk or sink as a reminder to unite all struggles and suffering with Jesus Christ crucified. With Him watching, conversations are more wholesome and vocabiularies cleaner.

• In the kitchen, bathroom or armoir; post religious art inside the cupboard doors to spark conversations therewith. Today, we may use religious images as thumbnails, phone or app backgrounds. Hang a rosary, crucifix or blessed medal from the rearview mirror. Or all of the above. 

• Gratitude begets humility.  Thank God for the beauty and necessities He provides in everyday life. We are nothing without Him.

• Thank God for difficulties. Look back to see how past problems worked for your good. Know that we are never separated from Him, except by choice. 

• Surrender to His love. Unless we know God in a relationship, how can we love Him? Brother Lawrence's motto was "love does everything." It's not about , emotions, receiving or consolations. It is the conscious active decision to love, seek and know Him better during the duties of our day. 

Love and Legacy

In his final year, Brother Lawrence endured recurring illness with characteristic cheerfulness. He told his doctor that recovery would only “delay his heavenly happiness.” He died in 1691 at age 27, largely unnoticed outside his monastery. He was admired for his simplicity, divine love and compared to other great mystics of his era. 

Similar to St Therese of Lisieux' legacy through, The Story of a Soul, affinity for him grew through a publication of his teachings. His conversations and letters, recorded by his Abbé, Joseph de Beaufort, formed the book The Practice of the Presence of God. It distills his ability to live every moment in loving awareness of God. Approved by the Archbishop of Paris, this book is circulated widely among Catholics and Protestants. While not a recognized saint, his cult begs to differ. 

Today, Brother Lawrence remains a beloved spiritual director whose inscribed insights shape Christian contemplative conduct. Brother Lawrence and St Paul, please intercede for the graces we need to 'pray without ceasing.' Amen.

Sources: 

The Practice of the Presence of God | Carmelcast episode 65

The Practice of the Presence of God | Brother Lawrence manuscript

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence | YouTube