The Mystical Heart: Learning from Saint Laurence Justinians Life of Prayer

Today we celebrate Saint Laurence Justinian, the first Patriarch of Venice, who lived from 1381 to 1456. Beyond his ecclesiastical titles, Laurence was known as a true mystic—a man who found God in both cathedral worship and the quiet corners of his own heart. From his youth, he felt drawn to solitude and prayer, and those who knew him recognized that his strength came from mystical union with Christ. Today, we'll explore three Scripture passages that illuminate the path Laurence walked—and that we too are called to follow.

 

Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:6: "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Saint Laurence Justinian understood this deeply, carving out sacred time for solitude despite his busy leadership role. This wasn't escapism—it was preparation, knowing that public ministry flows from private intimacy with God. For us today, this means creating our own sacred spaces and times where we can meet God in secret.

 

In John 15:4-5, Jesus reveals spiritual fruitfulness: "Abide in me, and I in you... I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." Saint Laurence lived this mystical reality—prayer wasn't just an activity but a state of being he maintained. This is mystical spirituality: living in constant awareness of God's presence, allowing our lives to become prayers. The mystics teach us that abiding comes through surrender, resting in God's love and allowing Christ's life to flow through us naturally.

 

Saint Paul captures the mystical heart's longing in Philippians 3:10: "that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." This was Laurence's driving passion—not merely knowing about Christ, but knowing Christ intimately and personally. Through contemplative prayer, he sought to encounter the living person of Jesus beyond concepts and doctrines. For the mystic, prayer becomes transformation, gradually taking on the mind and heart of Christ. This passionate desire to know Christ intimately distinguishes mystical prayer from routine devotion.

 

Saint Laurence's mystical prayer life flowed seamlessly into active service. His encounters with God didn't make him withdrawn but more present, compassionate, and effective in serving the world. This is authentic mystical prayer's fruit: selfless love that discovers God's heart beats for the poor and suffering. Laurence's prayer life became the wellspring of his pastoral care and wisdom. This integration of contemplation and action is mature Christian spirituality—we don't pray to escape the world but to engage it more deeply with divine love.

 

How can we cultivate mystical prayer like Saint Laurence? First, establish daily solitude with God—even five minutes can transform your spiritual life. Second, practice God's presence throughout your day, offering brief prayers and cultivating awareness that God is always with you. Third, approach prayer with passion to know Christ deeply, asking the Holy Spirit for hunger for God and studying mystical writings. Remember, mystical prayer is every Christian's birthright—God desires to share divine life with each of us and make us living witnesses of divine love.- F.D.