Brother Lawrence and our quiet time

— Midweek Meditations:
thoughts, inspiration and encouragement
from ACF community members —

A few years ago, on a weekend away, we heard about Brother Lawrence. He was a 17^th Century French lay monk. He started off working in the kitchen of the monastery. Even though his job was the lowly work of cooking the simple dishes for the other monks, many were drawn to him as he had a peaceful character. His letters were later published as a book.

The story of Brother Lawrence got me thinking about how I would describe my own prayer life and quiet reflective times. During my work days at kitchen of the university canteen I have times when I’m doing repetitive tasks and I can let my mind wonder. I could reflect on a sermon from Sunday, a discussion I remember from a few weeks or years before. Sometimes I just think of a few people to pray for.

Of course, this can’t replace a time with the bible and maybe a commentary on the passage you’re reading. Sometimes I wish I had a pen and paper to write my thoughts down. Who knows it might be a follow up book to “The Practise of the Presence of God”! Nevertheless, next time you are doing a menial task try and relax and think of a sermon or bible study that has been nagging on you. Or think back to all the YouTube videos you watched during lockdown and try to bring some order and personal alignment on what you heard.

“Think often on God, by day, by night,
in your business and even in your diversions.
He is always near you and with you;
leave him not alone.”
(Brother Lawrence)

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The ACF Midweek Meditations
are written by a diverse group of our church members with the intention to seek God’s fingerprints in our lives. They range from somber to humorous and are inspired by all facets of live and faith. Written by ordinary people from all walks of life, they reflect a wide range of Christian backgrounds and spiritualities.

Each week’s text portrays the individual viewpoint of its author. They might not always resonate with everyone, and are not meant to be understood as representing the Anglican Church Freiburg as a whole. Yet, as a church that is aiming to ‘Build a Community of Grace’ we seek to practice learning from and listening to one another.

We pray that these humble ponderings add a small spark of blessing to your week.

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