📖 What a 17th century cook has to teach you about your job

Practicing the Presence of God

March 17, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Our goal at Theophilus is to make Jesus’ teaching accessible and relevant for all in the 21st century. Do you want to join that mission? Share the Theophilus Newsletter on social media or with friends and family and help others dive deeper into what it means to follow Jesus.

Ps. To share on Whatsapp, copy and paste this link: https://theophilus.beehiiv.com/

What a 17th century cook has to teach you about your job

At age 26, wounded French veteran Nicholas Herman, having experienced the horrors of the Thirty Years War, pursued a new path.

A spiritual path.

Nicholas joined the Carmelite Order and took on a new name, “Lawrence of the Resurrection,” and, soon after, became a cook at a monastery in Paris.

He has since become one of the most popular spiritual figures in recent history.

The Practice of the Presence of God

Brother Lawrence approached his work with such wisdom, care, and love that he soon attracted considerable attention.

He had a good reputation amongst the monks and eventually received visits from outsiders seeking his wisdom.

Mind you, he wasn’t a priest or theologian, he was a cook.

The Carmelite Order, of which Brother Lawrence was a part.

Many of Lawerence’s words and letters were compiled into a book released after his death, The Practice of the Presence of God. It’s a short read and worth every word.

The book summarizes Lawerence’s incredible approach to life, one of simply seeking and maintaining awareness of God through all things.

Cooking in the Cosmos

Brother Lawerence writes: 

“At the beginning of my duties, I would say to the Lord with confidence, ‘My God, since You are with me and since, by Your will, I must occupy myself with external things, please grant me the grace to remain with You, in Your presence. Work with me, so that my work might be the very best. Receive as an offering of love both my work and all my affections.”

Lawrence described himself as an awkward person, meaning manual labor wasn’t his strong suit.

Yet, he saw his job peeling potatoes and preparing meals as an act of supreme devotion to God.

For Lawrence, each well-prepared meal was a fine contribution to the cosmos of his Creator.

Brother Lawrence believed his job cooking to be just as spiritual as the monks praying or preaching.

I believe Brother Lawrence leaves us with a good reminder in a time where we see Sunday services as “spiritual” but our work as something that occupies the days in between.

This week on Theophilus we’re going to follow Lawrence’s example and learn to see work not just as a way to make money but as an act of worship to God.

So don’t clock out quite yet, we’ve got some work to do.

For now, be blessed.

Jon,

Theophilus Newsletter

Enjoyed Today’s Newsletter?

Consider sharing on social media, or with friends and family! Just copy and paste this link: https://theophilus.beehiiv.com/