Brother Lawrence’s Spiritual Guidance| Season 12 Wrap-Up of Turning to the Mystics
In Season 12 of Turning to the Mystics, explore the timeless wisdom of Brother Lawrence, guided by our hosts, James Finley and Kristen Oates. Through each episode, embark on a journey through Brother Lawrence’s book Practice of the Presence, which was translated by CAC Core Faculty member Carmen Acevedo Butcher.
“When we die, it shines forth who we eternally are.”
—James Finley, Turning to the Mystics, Season 12
Highlights from “Turning to the Mystics” Season 12
In each episode of this podcast season, you are invited to turn each day into awareness of an unbroken conversation with the Divine.
- Turning to Brother Lawrence — Our hosts introduce Brother Lawrence’s background and discuss how his ideas can transform our lives.
- Brother Lawrence: Session 1 — This is the first session, which focuses on Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection.
- Dialogue 1: Everything is Possible — In this first dialogue session, James Finley and Kirsten Oates focus on the maxims of Brother Lawrence.
- Brother Lawrence: Session 2 — James Finley reads passages from Carmen Acevedo Butcher’s translation of Brother Lawrence’s Practice of the Presence.
- Dialogue 2: All for All — Learn more about the letters of Brother Lawrence.
- Brother Lawrence: Session 3 — Reflect on core themes of the book Practice of the Presence by Brother Lawrence.
- Dialogue 3: Mystical Lineage — Learn more about Brother Lawrence’s connections to Teresa of Ávila and John of the Cross.
- Bonus: Carmen Acevedo Butcher on Brother Lawrence — Carmen Acevedo Butcher discusses her translation of Brother Lawrence’s Practice of the Presence.
- A Coaching Session on Brother Lawrence — Our hosts offer us a way to turn to Brother Lawrence for guidance on our own spiritual path.
Transcripts are available for each episode.
“I always listen to those tugs. You never know when they’ll happen.”
—Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Turning to the Mystics, Season 4
A Turning to the Mystics Listener Story
It’s so special for us to hear from our podcast listeners, who offer insights into how contemplative wisdom has deepened and expanded their spiritual lives. We recently received a message from a CAC community member named Glo who shared how Brother Lawrence’s writings helped remind her of Jesus’ love:
“I was reading Brother Lawrence this morning, and, for some reason, it brought me back to when I was a teenager, when my friendship with Jesus began. I felt a closeness to Jesus and an understanding of how he wanted us to love.”
Glo explains that “at that time, it wasn’t what the church was teaching me. The church, for me, was locked into rituals, laws, and making sure that we all fell in line with what they thought was right. I knew that this was not what Jesus wanted us to learn. He stood among the crowds and preached freedom to love — no matter what. As a teenager, I experienced a breakthrough in understanding Jesus’ desire for us. He has led me to where I am today, open to all religions, open to his way of thinking and loving.”
Have you also been impacted by Turning to the Mystics? We would love to hear from you!
On every season of Turning to the Mystics, we embark on in-depth explorations of the teachings of one unique mystic. New episodes are coming soon!
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