Mike E.'s Reviews > The Practice of the Presence of God

I read elsewhere this book is available as a free Kindle download. This review is based on a free version downloaded from Google Books: 1906, London: H.R. Allenson, Ltd.

Quotes:
That we ought to give ourselves up entirely to God, with regard both to things temporal and spiritual, and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will, whether He lead us by suffering or by consolation; for all would be equal to a soul truly resigned. (10)

That we ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity, speaking to Him frankly and plainly, and imploring His assistance in our affairs, just as they happen. (13)

That it was a great delusion to think that the times of prayer ought to differ from other times: that we were as strictly obliged to adhere to God by action in the time of action as by prayer in its season. (21)

One way to recall easily the mind and time of prayer, and to preserve it more in rest, is not to let it wander too far at other times. (47)

Love sweetens pain: and when one loves God, one suffers for Him with joy and courage. (57)

If we knew how much He loves us, we should be always ready to receive equally, and with indifference, from His hand, the sweet and the bitter; all would please that came from him. (59)


Study Guide:

1. What does it mean to have a "soul equally resigned?" (10) When has your satisfaction been in Christ alone? When is it difficult for you to be satisfied in/with Jesus?

2. What should be the end of all of the believer's actions? (11). Should it be the glory of God?

3. To what degree was Brother Lawrence (BL) confident in the strength of his own will or resolve? (13)

4. What is BL's methodology concerning prayer? (13) How does it compare to your own practice?

5. Why was BL not burdened by his own faults or sins? (14-15)

6. Read I Thessalonians 5:16-18. How does this Scripture correlate with the first half of this book?

7. Why does one see so little solid virtue in Christians? (19)


8. What is an important aspect in overcoming spiritual doubts? (21)


9. Do you agree that, in the spiritual life, not to advance is to go back? (2nd letter, p. 32). Why?

10. BL writes that to practice the presence of God, the heart must be empty of all else--Christ alone shall dwell there. Read 1 Cor 7:32-35. Do you think that Brother Lawrence had an advantage or disadvantage by living in a monastic community? Do you and I have an advantage or disadvantage, in practicing the presence of God as husbands, fathers, grandfathers?

11. Does BL advocate daily devotions take place every morning by 6AM? Does BL advocate a certain amount of time in prayer & the Word daily? If so, what are they? If not, why not>?