Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk and former soldier,decided that he needed to concentrate on a simple idea: loving God in whatever he did. The Practice of the Presence of God is a record of the conversations and letters exchanged between Brother Lawrence and people in his community, who came to him for advice once they noticed his passionate living for God. This collection of his thoughts and observationscontinue to inspire those seeking a stronger, more potent spirituality today.
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen is considered a classic self-help book. It reveals how our thoughts determine reality, as well as how our uderlying beliefs shape our character, our health, our appearance, our circumstances, and our destinies. Noble thoughts make a noble person, but lowly thoughts make a miserable person. Allen provides examples to illustrate how the "mind is the master weaver, both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance," so that people may begin to weave in enlightenment and happiness.
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"What a thought provoking little book. This is an oldie, a classic, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys theology and books on religious thinking. This is one for me to ponder, to keep on my kindle to read again at some time, and to revisit as I rethink it, as I am sure I will. The language of the book (which is essentially a series of letters written my Frere Laurent) is older, so this is a book to read slowly, to think about as you read it, to make sure you get the whole meaning of it, or at least it was for me, but I did enjoy it, and it gave me a lot to ponder."
— Sheila (4 out of 5 stars)
“Published originally at the end of the seventeenth century, this book has endured for three centuries and is more widely read today than ever. This book was written for all seekers aspiring to union with God which, according to Brother Lawrence, is the ultimate goal of every soul.”
— Ingram" Brother Lawrence's description of the attainment of simultaneity of devotion is the greatest discovery of my life, so far. "
— G, 2/12/2014" A perennial favorite that always helps me refocus and reminds me to exchange anxiety for faith every minute. It's a practice in which I hope to improve. "
— Elle, 2/8/2014" Amazing! I read this book 2 or 3 times a year. It is the doorway to true Spiritual Growth. "
— Doc, 2/2/2014" This book is on my annual reads shelf. It is a highly readable and very beneficial look into the heart of an unexpected spiritual master. You should read this book. "
— Clayton, 1/27/2014" This book had a big impact on my spiritual life. So much so that for the last fifteen years I have kept multiple copies on my shelf so I can give it away if I ever run across someone who hasn't read it. Profound and inspiring--and maybe the shortest book I've ever read! "
— Scott, 1/16/2014" Simple, powerful. If one used this philosophic, spiritual path Love would be in mind consistently, constantly. Alas, the distractions of the illusory world just keep showing up and off I go again. But still, his Wisdom remains true and also in my holy mind. A very important read. "
— Diane, 1/14/2014" This book changed my view of spiritual connection. "
— Alicia, 1/13/2014" Very inspiring, it makes minute by minute reflection very easy. "
— Mabel, 1/11/2014" A classic work in monastic and spiritual life. Being open to God in the presence of the simple and mundane. You'll never wash dishes the same way again. "
— Derek, 12/26/2013" A very practical book on Paul's puzzling (but terribly important) exhortation to "Pray continually." "
— David, 12/21/2013" My favorite book of all time! "
— Jaime, 11/20/2013" Wow, talk about life-changing! Awesome book, challenging topic. Spiritually inspirational. "
— Kevalmiller, 11/11/2013" I had heard of this little book and read quotations but now reading it and savouring. it is very concentrated wisdom and each sentence can be read and re-read. "
— Ian, 10/21/2013" this is a book to read more then once,as many times as the soul is hungry and needs to focus.Only one thing is necessary in this life,and that is do all for the love of God. "
— Maribel, 8/27/2013" I can't vouch for all of this man's theology, but that aspect tempered, there is much to learn here. "
— Peter, 6/26/2013" difficult to read, but at the same time, really short. The message of Brother Lawrence's life is well worth the effort to read it :-) "
— Sarah, 5/11/2013" I'm supposed to be blown away by this classic lesson in unceasing worship and prayer. But I'm not blown away by it...at all. Perhaps I'll feel differently when I move to a monastery, wear a uniform, and worry only about potato-peeling. "
— Joanna, 5/2/2013" Simple, truthful, and realistic. I already can't wait to re-read it! "
— Sierra, 11/5/2012" A must read for every Christian! "
— Shelley, 7/24/2012" He makes it sound so simple. This is another companion and frequent source for basics on how to live contemplatively. "
— Margaretflynn, 7/17/2012" must read. I'm pretty sure Brother Lawrence had ADHD! What a great testimonial to finding God's unique calling for each of us, even in unlikely places (like the kitchen). "
— Peter, 7/12/2012" This is a book written by an author that is exceedingly inspirational. Brother Lawrence writes life-changing, thought-provoking quotes like America consumes Starbucks. The book contains so much useful teachings it's almost overwhelming. In my opinion, everyone should read this book. "
— OB, 5/29/2012" Fantastic. Every Christian should read it. Seriously. "
— Kyle, 4/25/2012" Practicing His Presence (The Library of Spiritual Classics, Volume 1) by Brother Lawrence (1988) "
— Laura, 4/12/2012" There is a deep simplicity to this book where certain phrases will just stand out and make you go hmmm. "
— Carrie, 8/24/2011" brilliant. this book was revolutionary for me in experiencing God in the everyday parts of life. "
— Benjamin, 7/25/2011" Gives wonderful insight into what it means to live a simple life in the presence of God daily. Humility is understood, not talked about. A wonderful testimony to how great is the the Lord God of all. "
— Cur3t, 7/6/2011" This is one of the few books I read more than once. In fact I try to read it at least once each year. It remains on my nightstand for referral - especially when I feel spiritually dry. "
— Mlpottenger, 6/16/2011" I adore this book in all it's various forms. Life-changing! Possibly my favorite book ever! "
— Tracye, 3/26/2011" This book can be read in a few hours but it will take a lifetime to process. I was deeply moved and challenged by Brother Lawrence's passion for the Lord and desire to live every moment in the presence of God. Very convicting and encouraging. "
— Brent, 3/17/2011" A classic view of God through the eyes of simplicity. "
— Ben, 2/9/2011" A must read for every Christian! "
— Shelley, 2/8/2011" A quick book which I read in an evening. Three hundred years old, but sweet and insightful. One that I would like to read again soon and more slowly to contemplate. "
— Cate, 1/25/2011" This is one of those books that said very little, with an over abundance of words. I could sum it up in a chapter, perhaps a sentence. Actually, just read the book title, that's good enough. "
— Amy, 1/2/2011" It was alright but it didn't hold my attention. A lot of the chapters / letters were quite short. "
— Lisa, 12/31/2010" This tiny, tiny, tiny book comes with a GREAT impact. I HIGHLY recommend this for ANYONE. It is readable, especially for its time period; it is thought-provoking and challenging. I could re-read this on a daily basis and come away constantly challenged. "
— Stephanie, 12/26/2010" Good book - not outreach focused at all- makes the spiritual life seem like, if worked for, easy. Best redeaming value is a better daily walk with God. Good read but not great. "
— Ed, 11/30/2010Brother Lawrence was a 17th-century French monk.
Brother Lawrence’s wisdom and spiritual insights have helped bring people closer to God for more than three centuries
James Allen (1864–1912) was a philosophical writer born in Leicester, England. He wrote numerous spiritual and inspirational books, including From Passion to Peace and The Eight Pillars of Prosperity. He is considered a pioneer of the self-help movement. His best-known work, As a Man Thinketh, has been in print since its publication in 1902.
Edward Lewis (a.k.a. David Hilder) is a stage, film, and television actor. He has narrated unabridged audiobooks for over eighteen years and has recorded more than two hundred titles, spanning works of fiction and nonfiction.