The First & Second Conversations (pp. 7-14)

The First Conversation (pp. 7-9)

Brother Lawrence told me that God had been especially good to him in his conversion. He was eighteen at the time, and still in the world. He told me that it had all happened one winter day, as he was looking at a barren tree. Although the tree's leaves were indeed gone, he knew that they would soon reappear, followed by blossoms and then fruit. This gave him a profound impression of God's providence and power which never left him. Brother Lawrence still maintains that this impression detached him entirely from the world and gave him such a great love for God that it hasn't changed in all of the forty years he has been walking with Him.

It is necessary to always be aware of God's presence by talking with Him throughout each day…

Instead of letting faith rule our lives, we are guided by our petty, everyday, mechanical prayers, which are always changing.

We need to be faithful, even in dry periods. It is during those dry spells that God tests our love for Him.

When we are willing to accept God's help and guard our souls according to His desires, we may commune with him whenever we like.

The Second Conversation (pp. 10-14)

In the beginning a little effort was needed to form the habit of continuously conversing with God, telling Him everything that was happening. But after a little careful practice, God's love refreshed me, and it all became quite easy.

Speak very simply and frankly to God.

Do everything for the love of God, asking as often as possible for grace to do His work.

Simply confess to God, without pleading with Him or making excuses.

Thinking often spoils everything; evil usually begins with our thoughts. We should reject any thoughts which distract us from serving the Lord or which undermine our salvation.