The Practice of the Presence of God: Day 2~Spiritual Maxim 1

Today, you will hear Day Two of The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, focusing on the Introduction to Spiritual Maxims and Maxim Number One.  The introduction lays down four foundational points: the importance of regarding God in all our actions, the inevitable adversities we face as part of our spiritual journey, the notion that these trials serve our ultimate good, and the vital dependence of the soul on divine grace in every moment.

As we move into Maxim Number One, Brother Lawrence outlines necessary practices for attaining a rich spiritual life. He emphasizes six key practices aimed at deepening our relationship with the divine: first, the practice of the presence of God—an invitation to engage in a loving dialogue with Him at all times; second, approaching this conversation without strict methods or rules; third, conducting all actions thoughtfully and intentionally; fourth, turning to God from the depths of our being, reminiscent of St. Teresa's prayer of recollection; fifth, ensuring our acts of worship are guided by faith; and finally, the importance of self-examination to stay mindful of our shortcomings and spiritual growth.