Living in the Presence of God

Last year, Pope Leo wrote an introduction for the new edition of “The Practice of the Presence of God”, a book by the French Carmelite, Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (1614–1691).

Brother Lawrence was highly regarded in American Protestant churches for his spirituality. He was not a great theologian, but a simple lay brother; he regularly cooked for about a hundred other monks and worked in the monastery’s sandal shop. He learned to live continually in God's presence amidst a very ordinary life. The heart of his message is this: "We must establish ourselves in the divine company of God, speaking humbly to Him and conversing with love at all times, without set rules or limits, especially during times of temptation, suffering, spiritual dryness, weariness, and even unfaithfulness and sin." For him, every action, and not just prayer, can be transformed into a kind of peaceful conversation with God.

The spirituality of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection centers on four key points.

First, cultivating the habit of God's presence. Becoming aware, in every action we perform, that God is present. Forming the habit of recognising His loving presence beside us. Second, seeking purity of life and cultivating virtues (faith, hope, charity, prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice). God can accomplish great things, but it is also up to us to reform our lives. Third, perseverance. Integrating God into one's daily life is not easy; Brother Lawrence often emphasises this. We shall face difficulties but we must persevere and keep trying. Finally, Brother Lawrence’s method, the fourth point, consists of regularly repeating short prayers throughout the day, such as "God, You are here," "God, transform me," or "God, teach me to love," whenever we switch activities.

Pope Leo XIV invites us to adopt this spirituality; on December 2, 2025, while returning from Lebanon, he stated: "It is a form of prayer and spirituality that simply involves placing one’s life in the Lord’s hands and letting Him guide our steps... It is the spirituality that has sustained me for many years amidst great challenges, whether living in Peru during the years of terrorism or being called to serve in places where I never imagined I would work, I place my trust in God, and that is a message I share with everyone."