‘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)
" anyone who thinks they take the words of the Lord seriously. "
— Rustin, 2/18/2014" Excellent, challenging, timeless and great food for thought during Lent. "
— Pamela, 2/17/2014" 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. "
— Bill, 2/14/2014" A must have book. I love this little collection of letters from a humble monk. So simple yet so powerful. "
— Denise, 1/29/2014" IT was a great devotion my worship team in college did together, we had great talks about it in the coffee shop on campus "
— Lori, 1/29/2014" A classic of simple spirituality. "
— Scott, 1/24/2014" Great book....read it devotionally a billion times. "
— Khanh, 1/24/2014" This quick read totally transformed the way I approached "self-talk." "
— Amanda, 1/20/2014" 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.) "
— Cheryl, 1/19/2014" 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. "
— Jacob, 1/19/2014" Very inspiring, it makes minute by minute reflection very easy. "
— Mabel, 1/8/2014Brother 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