The Practice of the Presence of God

A short, simple and elegant treatment of being in the presence of God. Well worth reading. You can read it in an afternoon, but the lessons and practices will be good for a lifetime.

Excellent book for prayer

Great book condition. Fast delivery. Easy to read book.

Brother Lawrence, born Nicolas Herman in Lorraine, France, lived through most of the 1600s and passed most of his life in a Carmelite monastery in Paris. Because of his lack of education he became what was known then as a "lay brother," that is, he took vows but was not an ordained priest. However, despite being a humble kitchen worker, he impressed so many of his fellow monks with his extraordinary piety that people even came to see him from outside the monastery, and he attracted correspondents as well. One of his visitors was the priest Joseph de Beaufort, who later became a high official in the Archdiocese of Paris. After Lawrence's death, and against his explicit wishes as expressed in one of the letters included in this little book, Beaufort published notes he had taken on several of his visits to Brother Lawrence, as well as letters the monk wrote to him and to several other recipients. This is a very slim collection that can easily be read straight through in an hour or so. According to Brother Lawrence, as the result of a profound spiritual experience he set out to cultivate a sense of God's presence by continually conversing with him. Continually talking to God simply and directly, and doing everything as an act of love for God sums up his entire program. He lived in an age when large numbers of people practiced various kinds of penances, many of which involved mortification of the flesh, but also other kinds of spiritual devotions that were not harmful of themselves, but which in many cases became unhealthy obsessions. He rejected such practices, because for him simple love of God was paramount. For Brother Lawrence, work time was prayer time; but really, it was always prayer time. He admits to experiencing "dry times" of the soul, but counseled pushing through those; according to Brother Lawrence, you should first ask God for the gifts necessary to develop this practice of the presence of God, which he will grant you. Like that other spiritual giant Teresa, Lawrence lifted up even the simplest things to God, and in the process transformed them and himself. Christians have been encouraged by his counsel and recommended his way as worthy of example--including a spiritual giant in his own right, John Wesley--and in the last couple of decades he has found a new currency not only among Catholic Charismatics, but also among Protestant Evangelicals as well. There are numerous versions of this classic available today. This one has an introductory essay by Rev. Gregory Bellarmine, superior general of the Society of St. John of the Cross, "St. Paul the Mystic & Brother Lawrence." I found it interesting as a way to think about spirituality--which which many Catholics and Protestants don't really believe in, thinking somehow it is opposed to organized religion--to better appreciate "the practice of the presence of God." There is another short article after the letters which explains "How the Traditional Carmelite Nuns Spent their Day." I presume the men spent their days similarly, but that is just a guess based on my general knowledge about Catholic monastic practices. Following that is a series of "Reading Group Questions" which, although poorly worded and edited in places--one of them is even repeated--could lead to good discussions by a group of people who had read the book seriously. Brother Lawrence's work always merits five stars; this edition still gets four, though, based on its low price. What is most important is that the heart of this book--Beaufort's notes and Brother Lawrence's letters--should be read seriously by anyone who takes their Christianity seriously. This is the second edition I have read, and I will probably read others to see what other kinds of ancillary materials editors put in with Brother Lawrence. But in the end, Brother Lawrence has helped more people get closer to God than a lot of much better-educated writers who have written much longer works. What matters truly is being in the Presence of God.

Quit insightful, and the teaching that the presence of God is a personal desire and that earnest effort is required to reach this goal. Thou it is obtainable one must be forgiving of one self and understand that mistakes will be made but God is faithful and just and possess the power and willingness to forgive. So should we.

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence is one of the most transformative spiritual books I have ever read. Though simple in language, it carries extraordinary depth. Brother Lawrence teaches that we do not need complicated methods to grow closer to God — we simply need to turn our hearts toward Him in love, in every moment of daily life. What makes this book so powerful is its simplicity. Brother Lawrence was not a theologian or scholar; he was a humble Carmelite lay brother working in a monastery kitchen. Yet his conversations and letters reveal a profound spiritual wisdom rooted in constant awareness of God’s presence. He shows us that washing dishes, cooking meals, or doing ordinary work can become acts of prayer when done with love for God. This book beautifully reflects Catholic contemplative spirituality. It echoes the teachings of saints like St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, emphasizing interior recollection and loving attention to God. It reminds us that holiness is not reserved for monasteries or churches — it is possible in the middle of everyday responsibilities. I especially appreciated how practical the guidance is. Brother Lawrence admits his struggles, distractions, and spiritual dryness. He does not present a mystical ideal that feels unreachable. Instead, he gently encourages perseverance, trust, and childlike simplicity before God. In a world filled with noise, anxiety, and constant distraction, this book is a refreshing call to quiet intimacy with God. It has helped me slow down, pray more naturally, and seek God not just in formal prayer times but throughout the entire day. Highly recommended for anyone seeking deeper prayer, inner peace, and a closer relationship with God. This small book has the power to change how you live every moment.

Great book. We need more reading like this in this day and age.

The whole Holy Bible (in a true translation) is the most important book to read and learn from, for always, “the witness of God is greater”: It is the true eternal living words of God for life forevermore. Inerrant and immutable, it will always be the greater testimony! However, this book is, “if the witness of man be good…” remains the helpful words of man that have endured in “Practicing the Presence of God”, it acknowledges: The righteous, gracious Heavenly Father we have in Christ Jesus, His Son; the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world! AND most vitally, that Jesus the Christ wants, seeks and delights in a close personal relationship with every believer. The author reminds us to always and continually magnify and praise the Lord God Christ Jesus in every situation and work we are involved in! Perpetually, giving thanks and praise, glory and honor to our Lord and Savior God, from the moment we open our eyes in the morning and until we close them at night: magnify and rejoice in the Lord God. Are you seeking to know Jesus Christ as your Savior God? Ask Him for forgiveness; repent! Though our sins be as scarlet, the LORD says “… they shall be as white as snow…” Confess and believe in your heart on the Lord Jesus Christ, that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved! Tell someone! Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit; He who puts you into the kingdom of God and seals you for the day of redemption, is the Spirit of adoption and promise! You can know your name is written in heaven. AND know by your faith alone (the grace of God) which justifies you before the Father for true and Perfect Peace with God. Jesus transforms you! You are born of God; born from above; born again; made a new creation in Christ; and Christ in you; through the now eternal indwelling Holy Spirit; to be outpoured through you: to share the light, love, mercy and peace of God with all you meet. It is the will of God that we outpour into and upon one another: God does the conversion and transformation! Just be His fountain. Each and every person of accountable age (and mind) must choose. No one can remain neutral. Choose this day whom you will serve, for we all serve something or someone. Choose Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life and practice the presence of God all the days of your life. GODSPEED: be blessed and flourishing into more of Christ! Yes, I am practicing, yet, far from perfectly! I remain thankful for God’s grace. His always all sufficient grace. God bless you (us all) in your (our) walk in Christ and the Holy Spirit, as you (we) practice being in the presence of God! Alleluia!

Expensive

Recently, this booklet was recommended by Pope Leo. This copy is directly translated from Brother Laurence letters. A second book I bought, always the same of Brother Laurence, is translated and put into easier understandable reading. I liked to have both as the direct translation made me contemplate more.

Excellent book, good teachings and a very nice narrative. It is a lesson of love for God.

Excellent book. Very fast delivery

Written over 400 years ago by a humble French monk, The Practice of the Presence of God contains a timeless spiritual message: the best form of prayer is simple, frequent conversation with God. Brother Lawrence discovered that we can maintain an ongoing dialogue with God throughout our daily activities—whether washing dishes, running errands, or doing our work. Rather than limiting prayer to formal times, he teaches that we can live in continual communion with God through simple attention and love, turning every moment into an opportunity for connection with the Divine.