‘The Practice of the Presence of God’ is a collection of the teachings of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (Nicolas Herman, c. 1614 – 1691), a 17th-century Carmelite friar. The book consists of sixteen short letters, a collection of spiritual maxims, four conversations written down by Father Joseph de Beaufort and a brief bio, most likely by de Beaufort. The theme of the work is the cultivation and development of an awareness of the presence of God. Lawrence's method of acquiring the presence seems to have required discipline and willpower at first, but once cultivated, it became effortless. The book became quite popular among both Catholics and Protestants, and was praised and recommended by, among others, John Wesley, Willard L Sperry, A. W. Tozer and Hannah Whitall Smith.
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"This book was my introduction to classic Christian devotional and mystical writings. It was a good place to start as it is eminently readable. Brother Lawrence writes as a monk, but his work is primarily in the kitchen preparing and cleaning up meals for his brothers. His primary mission is to develop his relationship with God through his work. A very practical guide to allowing God to speak to us through the ordinary and mundane tasks of life." — Steve (5 out of 5 stars)
"This book was my introduction to classic Christian devotional and mystical writings. It was a good place to start as it is eminently readable. Brother Lawrence writes as a monk, but his work is primarily in the kitchen preparing and cleaning up meals for his brothers. His primary mission is to develop his relationship with God through his work. A very practical guide to allowing God to speak to us through the ordinary and mundane tasks of life."
" anyone who thinks they take the words of the Lord seriously. "
" Excellent, challenging, timeless and great food for thought during Lent. "
" A short read, with a single message. But a message too often forgotten. I find that just looking at the title can set me back on track. Expect to feel way beneath the author's standard. "
" A must have book. I love this little collection of letters from a humble monk. So simple yet so powerful. "
" IT was a great devotion my worship team in college did together, we had great talks about it in the coffee shop on campus "
" A classic of simple spirituality. "
" Great book....read it devotionally a billion times. "
" This quick read totally transformed the way I approached "self-talk." "
" Very nice practical advice on how to think about God throughout your daily life. Although it has got to be easier if you are doing tasks that do not require you to use your brain! (He was washing dishes.) "
" A thoughtful way to think about being with God. You can't read it fast. Read it a few pages at a time and savor it. "
" Very inspiring, it makes minute by minute reflection very easy. "
" 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. "
" For such a short book it sums up so clearly the way we should practice abiding and remaining in Christ. Such a great book! "
" I read this book about once a year. It is profoundly simple in its approach to prayer. "
" A great little book on the importance of worship and prayer in even our most mundane tasks and moments. "
" One of the best books I've ever read. It inspired and humbled me. I don't think I will ever be the same. I borrowed it, but I think it would be a good book to keep on my shelves. "
" an interesting story of how we can live our faith "
" All Christians, new and old, should read this book. Period. "
" This was the best book at talking about praying without ceasing in everyday life. "
" Love this gentle, humble monk ... "
" A lesson in humility. Excellent for facilitating God's presence in your life...or your life in His presence. "
" Old Language, but it was an interesting book. "
" Read twice this year. Full of grace. "
" 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. "
" Loved by Christians of every strip. This little book unveils the eyes to see God in every moment. It's a classic Christian devotion. Its another read it over and over book. "
" This book changed my view of spiritual connection. "
" 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. "
" Brother Lawrence's description of the attainment of simultaneity of devotion is the greatest discovery of my life, so far. "
" Excellent reading on how to simplify your spiritual life. "
" Brother Lawrence focuses on two essential practices. Doing all things as though onto God, and being in continual prayer through practicing a simple, yet constant awareness of God's presence. "
" 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 :-) "
" One of the best books I've read to bring Christianity into everyday life. Simple, yet profound. Love this book! "
" 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. "
" I adore this book in all it's various forms. Life-changing! Possibly my favorite book ever! "
" 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. "
" A classic view of God through the eyes of simplicity. "
" A must read for every Christian! "
" 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. "
" It was alright but it didn't hold my attention. A lot of the chapters / letters were quite short. "
" 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. "
" 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. "
Brother 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
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