Lectio et Oratio

Episode 2 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Letter 2 (Spiritual Director)

Does the practice of the presence of God take time and effort to develop?

Yes! In a letter to a spiritual director Br Lawrence describes the growth of his prayer life after he became a Carmelite friar. The Lord does not always give us an easy time. He leads us to himself by trials and aridities. What is most important is faith and perseverance. The Lord gives himself to those who seek Him.

Episode 1 -- The Practice of the Presence of God -- Letter 1

What is one of the most fruitful of spiritual practices?

The practice of the presence of God. In Letter 1 (of 16 that survive), Brother Lawrence speaks of himself in a veiled way and his practice of living as often as he can in an awareness of God"s presence. Not a priest, but a simple lay brother in a Carmelite monastery, Br Lawrence became known throughout Europe for his simple wisdom. He spent fifty years cooking, fixing broken sandals, and praying much. Throughout the day, he tried to keep himself before the Lord. And his methods have been handed down to us.

Episode 25 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I -- On the Necessity of Prayer

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Episode 24 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.24 -- All Evil Inclinations Must be Purged Away

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Episode 23 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.23 -- On Avoiding Dangerous Amusements in order to Seek God

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Episode 22 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.22 -- On the Necessity of Purging Away All Tendency to Venial Sin

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Episode 21 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.20 -- Strong Act of Faith to Confirm Soul in Devout Life and Complete Penitence

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Episode 20 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.19. -- How to Make a General Confession

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Episode 19 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.18 -- 10th Meditation- On the Choice of a Devout Life

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Episode 18 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.17 -- 9th Meditation-On the Choice Between Heaven and Hell

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Episode 17 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.16 -- 8th Meditation-On Paradise

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Episode 16 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.15 -- 7th Meditation- Of Hell

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Episode 15 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.14 -- 6th Meditation- On Judgment

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Episode 14 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.13 -- 5th Meditation-Of Death

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Episode 13 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.12 -- 4th Meditation-Sin

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Episode 12 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.11 -- 3rd Meditation-On the Gifts of God

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Episode 11 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.10 -- 2nd Meditation-On the End for Which We Were Created

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Episode 10 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.9. -- First Meditation-On Creation

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Episode 9 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.8 -- On How to Effect the Second Purification of Soul

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Episode 8 -- Introduction to the Devout Life I.7 -- On the Second Purification from the Affections for Sin

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