6. His family was poor but upright and he was educated at home and by his parish priest whose first name was Lawrence.

7. The priest admired young Nicholas who became well read and from an early age was drawn toward a spiritual life and genuine love for God.

11. Took the religious name – Lawrence of the Resurrection

12. Most of his life was spent within the walls and seclusion of the monastery

13. He worked in the kitchen most of his life and then later in life when pain made these duties unbearable, he worked as a repairer of the sandals

15. Comes from same Greek root as the word “mystery” – referring to secret rites or knowledge.

18. His devotion and desire culminated in the realization of the fullness of God’s grace in the comings and goings of every day living.

19. His simple way to holiness was rooted in a deep sense of and love for God (King, 2001).

20. Brother Lawrence neither taught nor promoted any particularly special methods or practices for achieving spirituality. King writes, “he felt that special spiritual practices and penances, as well as the devotions to his community, were often more of a hindrance than a help” (p. 174).

22. Even when he found little comfort in prayer – he nevertheless continued to pray, humbly confessing his sins, his insufficiency, and his own perceived lack of faith.

25. I meditated on the truth and character of God … rather than spending time in laborious meditations and readings.”

29. At times, this realization is overwhelming, bringing me to my knees, crying for God’s mercy, understanding that my insufficiencies are exposed in the light of His holiness. At other times, the power of God’s presence and glory are a comforting presence not unlike the warmth of human arms that surround me in a loving embrace.

30. Finally, like Brother Lawrence, there are times when I become distracted or enamored by the fleeting pleasures of this world and I slip into forgetfulness and God must gently remind me of Himself – and call me back to that place of remembrance. Living in this way, my life has become an altar upon which I constantly place my whole self – spirit, soul, and body – as a living sacrifice to Him.

34. He never sought glory – but sought only to glory in the One whom he loved so much.

35. Brother Lawrence shared all that he had, both the temporal and the eternal, hoping to inspire those around him with a “burning …desire …to put the great truths into practice” – to Practice the Presence of God” (de Beaufort, p. 84-85).