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50th out of 1,905 books
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1,849 voters
The Practice of the Presence of God
Brother Lawrence was a man of humble beginnings who discovered the greatest secret of living in the kingdom of God here on earth. It is the art of "practicing the presence of God in one single act that does not end." He often stated that it is God who paints Himself in the depths of our soul. We must merely open our hearts to receive Him and His loving presence. For nearly...more
Paperback, 96 pages
Published
June 1st 1982
by Whitaker House
(first published December 1923)
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Mar 11, 2013
booklady
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone serious about the spiritual life
Shelves:
2007,
classic,
prayer,
religion,
spiritual,
2011,
hagiography,
must-have,
non-fiction,
philosophy,
worth-reading-over-and-over,
favorites
The Practice of the Presence of God is a little gem. But it is also a book you have to be receptive to appreciate. Without this requisite receptivity, its pearls of wisdom would be wasted. But with the right frame of mind and heart, it is the perfect book.
Perfect in that while it can be read in one hour; mastery of its central concept requires a lifetime. Well, at least for this soul ... and a very long lifetime at that. And I write that without the least trace of humility, remorse or even chagr...more
Perfect in that while it can be read in one hour; mastery of its central concept requires a lifetime. Well, at least for this soul ... and a very long lifetime at that. And I write that without the least trace of humility, remorse or even chagr...more
Many of have heard of Brother Lawrence's quote about peeling potatoes to the glory of God. This book is a collection of his letters dealing with the topic of practicing God's presence.
This is a short but profoundly meditative read. Good stuff for mothers in a hurry who want to ponder a connection with God in the midst of busy days; also palatable for people going through a hard time to read little bits at a time and absorb them without charging through it all. Brother Lawrence didn't intend to w...more
This is a short but profoundly meditative read. Good stuff for mothers in a hurry who want to ponder a connection with God in the midst of busy days; also palatable for people going through a hard time to read little bits at a time and absorb them without charging through it all. Brother Lawrence didn't intend to w...more
The major barrier to this book is the slightly stilted language. I have recommended this to several people and they cannot get past this, essentially missing the book's message. If nothing else this makes me understand why the King James Bible remains obtuse for many.
Brother Lawrence isn’t a famous man and he didn't do anything that should make us place him on a pedestal in the social-historical scheme of things. However, what this man brings to understanding God on a daily basis, in real-life w...more
Brother Lawrence isn’t a famous man and he didn't do anything that should make us place him on a pedestal in the social-historical scheme of things. However, what this man brings to understanding God on a daily basis, in real-life w...more
A magnificent and challenging book from an uneducated man who humbly set out to serve God, and spent his life in joy. His great disappointment was that he never got to suffer as he thought he deserved!
Brother Lawrence saw his day-to-day work as service and praise to God. He set himself a discipline of awareness of the Divine Presence, until it became his habit and his life. For decades he toiled in the kitchen of the monastery, not ordained, but a lay brother, given that job because they found h...more
Brother Lawrence saw his day-to-day work as service and praise to God. He set himself a discipline of awareness of the Divine Presence, until it became his habit and his life. For decades he toiled in the kitchen of the monastery, not ordained, but a lay brother, given that job because they found h...more
This book will help you acknowledge and realize the presence of God more in your daily life. He was a man who would "pray without ceasing." He truly had a heart for the Lord, and reading this book will help you have the same. Here is what was said about Brother Lawrence:
• So, likewise, in his business in the kitchen (to which he had naturally a great aversion), having accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of GOD, and with prayer, upon all occasions, for His grace to do his work...more
• So, likewise, in his business in the kitchen (to which he had naturally a great aversion), having accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of GOD, and with prayer, upon all occasions, for His grace to do his work...more
In a world of constant distraction, Brother Lawrence has much to teach us about offering every moment of our waking existence to a deliberate awareness of God's gracious and intimate presence, whether we're writing a sermon or working in the kitchen. One must discipline himself to be mindful of God's constant and immediate accessibility. The result is a life of peace and joy, even in the face of a painful death.
At the same time, I found myself troubled by at least three things: 1) On several occ...more
At the same time, I found myself troubled by at least three things: 1) On several occ...more
Good stuff. Free Kindle download. Read it through in one sitting.
"You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware of."
"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of continual conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise; but let us do it from a principle of love, and because God would have us."
"It i...more
"You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware of."
"There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful than that of continual conversation with God. Those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it; yet I do not advise you to do it from that motive. It is not pleasure which we ought to seek in this exercise; but let us do it from a principle of love, and because God would have us."
"It i...more
Actually, this is more of an author review as I don't take issue with the content of the book, which is highly reccomended, but rather the inconsistent lifestyle of the author.
Here it is:
"Coram Deo": to live "before the face of God" best sums up the message of Brother Lawrence. That even the most mundane tasks can be taken up with glorying in the Lord Jesus.
This is one of those places however where we ought to heed the words of Jesus concerning the Pharisees, "do what they say but not what they...more
Here it is:
"Coram Deo": to live "before the face of God" best sums up the message of Brother Lawrence. That even the most mundane tasks can be taken up with glorying in the Lord Jesus.
This is one of those places however where we ought to heed the words of Jesus concerning the Pharisees, "do what they say but not what they...more
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It keeps coming into my mind - how much man would be capable of if his soul were strong in the love of God, if he wanted God as much as he wanted to penetrate the power and glory of God's creation. ~ Dorthy Day, Reflections on the presence of God, p.20
[His:] disposition brought him to so great an unconcern about everything and to so complete a detachment, that it was near to the freedom of the Blessed... Nothing could hold him to earth; his vision was not bounded by time from long contemplation...more
[His:] disposition brought him to so great an unconcern about everything and to so complete a detachment, that it was near to the freedom of the Blessed... Nothing could hold him to earth; his vision was not bounded by time from long contemplation...more
This is a very old classic and although known by many people I wonder how many can apply his teaching. The book consists of some writings about Brother Lawrence and his practice of the presence of God and also letters written by him dealing with the practice he employed for 40 years or so as a monk. The book and practice is very simple which means it is very hard to do. You can feel the strength of his practice in every line he writes and agree with him 100% but doing it is not all that easy. Br...more
Brother Lawrence is a 17th century Carmelite monk who engaged in a near continual conversation with God. Even while he was doing seemingly menial tasks of while he was sick, he had a constant consciousness of the presence of God.
This book is a collection of conversations with him and letters from him that describe and prescribe his daily inner and external dialogue with God.
I learned from brother Lawrence a couple of ways to sustain the dialogue. One thing I learned was that he described his c...more
This book is a collection of conversations with him and letters from him that describe and prescribe his daily inner and external dialogue with God.
I learned from brother Lawrence a couple of ways to sustain the dialogue. One thing I learned was that he described his c...more
Amazing. Beautiful, even. I was very moved by this portrait of Brother Lawrence, a simple, unlearned monk who was lame, worked as a cook, talked to God in his heart all day with a "sweet and calm" countenance.
And for all this talk about speaking to God, all this ethereal stuff about spiritually being on Heaven while the body is on earth, this is one of the most practical books I've ever read. Brother Lawrence doesn't speak in poetry; rather, in his simple, rural peasant way, gets right to it.
1...more
And for all this talk about speaking to God, all this ethereal stuff about spiritually being on Heaven while the body is on earth, this is one of the most practical books I've ever read. Brother Lawrence doesn't speak in poetry; rather, in his simple, rural peasant way, gets right to it.
1...more
Although I have had several recommend "Brother Lawrence" (as I have heard it refereed as) over the years, for whatever reason I did not read it until now. While a wonderful read, I am glad I waited until now because of the depth that this simple book addresses the spiritual life. Brother Lawrence was a French monk who simply tried to practice what he calls “being in the presence of God” by being in constant prayer, even throughout his work day in the kitchen on his monastery. The book is collect...more
This is a collection of letters from Brother Lawrence primarily about how he obtained closeness to God through the “practice of the presence of God.” It begins with a narrative introduction about Brother Lawrence, incorporating some information from “interviews” (more like conversations) with him. There were some real gems in here that struck me, and I admire Brother Lawrence’s high spirituality, but I also found it difficult to relate to in some ways. “It is, however, proper to deprive [the bod...more
Where I got the book: purchased on the Nook (yes, it does happen).
I'm not really sure what to say about this little book. I guess I was expecting some great revelation about how to be a better Christian but the basic message here is "practice the presence of God every day." Hmmm. That's a bit like opening a book and finding written inside, "This is a book. Read it."
Don't get me wrong, Brother Lawrence sounds like a great guy. In fact the book is part memoir, part biography, part letters and so...more
I'm not really sure what to say about this little book. I guess I was expecting some great revelation about how to be a better Christian but the basic message here is "practice the presence of God every day." Hmmm. That's a bit like opening a book and finding written inside, "This is a book. Read it."
Don't get me wrong, Brother Lawrence sounds like a great guy. In fact the book is part memoir, part biography, part letters and so...more
3 likes · like · see review
Nov 16, 2009
Debbie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
christian,
non-fiction
Brother Lawrence was a Catholic monk, so he did some things that I don't agree are Biblical (like suppressing his outward expression of the joy he felt in God and deliberately increasing his suffering from a physical problem so that he could suffer for his sins). He also never quoted Scripture to support his points (though often there was Scripture he could have used). However, overall, the book was God-focused and had some good insights.
Due to the style of writing, it often took some thought fo...more
Due to the style of writing, it often took some thought fo...more
To be honest, the only reason I read this book is because it was included in the same volume as the afore-mentioned book on prayer by Andrew Murray. However, I found it to be a perfect continuation of the primary thing God has really been impressing upon my heart this year – the importance of walking in the Spirit and performing even the most mundane duties to His glory. I loved this thought that Brother Lawrence shares, “That in order to form a habit of conversing with God continually, and refe...more
A simple reminder that God is not only the means of our spiritual life and salvation, but the end as well. Brother Lawrence believed that we must practice God's presence, knowing that He is always much nearer than we think (living in the chapel of our heart), and love Him more than the blessings He gives and the comfort He provides.
This is a complete collection of everything written by Brother Lawrence or about him by his contemporaries. Much of it is repetition, but that's not a bad thing in a book about spiritual practice (where patience and persistence are key).
The "practice of the presence of God" which this lay brother lived and taught is the practice of keeping the mind and heart on God at every possible moment—not only in set prayer times, but in all our daily activities. It is both simple and daunting. I find it ha...more
The "practice of the presence of God" which this lay brother lived and taught is the practice of keeping the mind and heart on God at every possible moment—not only in set prayer times, but in all our daily activities. It is both simple and daunting. I find it ha...more
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.
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I read this book because I've heard good things about Brother Lawrence, but never found anything out for myself. Apparently this book was never intended to be a book by him. It was just a compliation of letters that he wrote to other Christians about practicing the presence of God, hence the title.
As most of the writings were made during the 1600s and translated from French the language is different from my contemporary English tongue, but it was fairly easy to understand (employ a dictionary f...more
As most of the writings were made during the 1600s and translated from French the language is different from my contemporary English tongue, but it was fairly easy to understand (employ a dictionary f...more
The idea outlined in the book is a pretty simple one, that definitely can be overlooked at times. To live our lives in a constant state of prayer and to do all things with the love of God in mind is a very important part of the christian life.
The book itself is a little repetitive though, and there is a little bit of uncomfortable (literally, lawl) asceticism in it, which I can't really support. It's tempting to argue that the book presents what may be an imbalanced view of Christian living, wit...more
The book itself is a little repetitive though, and there is a little bit of uncomfortable (literally, lawl) asceticism in it, which I can't really support. It's tempting to argue that the book presents what may be an imbalanced view of Christian living, wit...more
I enjoyed the conversations more than the letters, which I found rather repetitive. To be fair, the gist of what he's saying could be communicated in a paragraph, which is not really publishable and most people won't pay much attention to. I don't know why there's an automatic bias towards lengthy material being more important, relevant, useful, insightful, whatever. It puts me in mind of ents.
One thing I liked about this, was that it reminds me a lot of meditation, "if your mind wanders, just g...more
One thing I liked about this, was that it reminds me a lot of meditation, "if your mind wanders, just g...more
This is another book recommended to me by a friend, several actually. I had the opportunity to read it, rather as a devotional, in 2005. In 2009 I found it in a box of other books I might consider reading, fit it in my purse, and have been mining a nugget or two as I am waiting - wherever and whenever that may be. Brother Lawrence, as other mystics, is beyond easy description, and his life, even if one may provide a simple description, is outside the scope of our complex and hurried existence. H...more
A devotional/testimonial from the 1600s - Repetitious but so short (60pp) and insightful that it was well worth reading.
A few favorite lines:
1) "Knowing that God can remedy the mischiefs they do whenever he pleases, he does not let the sins of this world trouble him."
2) "He is pleased when he can perform the lowliest task, such as picking up a piece of straw from the ground, for no other reason except for the love of God"
3) "We often stop this torrent of God's grace by the little value we place...more
A few favorite lines:
1) "Knowing that God can remedy the mischiefs they do whenever he pleases, he does not let the sins of this world trouble him."
2) "He is pleased when he can perform the lowliest task, such as picking up a piece of straw from the ground, for no other reason except for the love of God"
3) "We often stop this torrent of God's grace by the little value we place...more
I absolutely loved this book! I was given it to borrow from a friend and when I saw the size of it I figured I'd have it done in an afternoon. My friend cautioned me to take my time, and I did, reading every page with mindfulness, catching bits of truths and insights not only on every page but within every sentence. This is the type of book that can be transforming depending upon the receptiveness of the reader. It is possible to experience God in the present moment, throughout one's day, living...more
The modern translation of this book is one of my all-time favorite books. Brother Lawrence had such a beautiful, genuine faith that is not beyond the reach of anyone. While we've all been inspired by great men and women of faith who have done huge things (think Hudson Taylor, Cori ten Boom...), Brother Lawrence was more like one of us, a humble - not even very talented - kitchen worker in a monastery, and yet his very present faith in God has transformed lives hundreds of years after he lived.
I...more
I...more
This was a reread of thoughts of a monk who entered a monastery "in midlife and spent the next 30 years as a cook for his order." Brother Lawrence's goal was "to walk continually in God's presence, blessing God, praising Him, adoring Him and loving Him." Lots of wisdom: "That he was very sensible of his faults, but not discouraged by them." "That he ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God." "That he was never hasty nor loitering but did each thing in its season, with an...more
For such a short book it sums up so clearly the way we should practice abiding and remaining in Christ. Such a great book!
What a pity that this slim volume is composed only of a few randomw recollections of friends and some letters. Undeniably a spiritual classic notheless. Someone should have taken Brother Lawrence by the hand and led him into a cell and locked him in there saying - "you obviously have something that the world wants, nay needs! You are not coming out until you have written it down in a coherent way." Intead of which he is allowed to live his life of seclusion and succeeding generations are left wi...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday spirituality | 4 | 37 | Sep 20, 2011 03:16pm |
Brother Lawrence was born Nicolas Herman in Hériménil, near Lunéville in the region of Lorraine, located in modern day eastern France and as a young man went into the army due to his poverty. At the age of 18 he received what he felt was a revelation of the providence and power of God. He went on to fight in the Thirty Years' War and later served as a valet, but within six years joined the Discalc...more
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“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.”
—
28 people liked it
“He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can. Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think.”
—
11 people liked it
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