The Practice of the Presence of Jesus: Daily Meditations on the Nearness of Our Savior

by Joni Eareckson Tada, John D Sloan (Primary Contributor)

Discover the joy of intentionally dwelling in the presence of God as the beloved author of Joni weaves contemporary insights with the timeless wisdom of seventeenth-century monk Brother Lawrence.

"Suffering has a way of heaving you beyond the shallows of life where your faith feels ankle-deep. It casts you out into the fathomless depths of God." — Joni, from the Introduction

Brother Lawrence lived through the drudgeries of monastery kitchen duty during the turbulence of 1600s France. Joni Eareckson Tada suffered a terrible accident that broke her neck and left her paralyzed. This tragedy led her from a life of distant faith to a life as a devout Christian, and she later became a worldwide disability advocate and influencer, sharing her experiences of suffering with grace. In both their lives, they each found the secret to peace, joy, and a way of being in constant conversation with the Father . . . every day and every hour . . . practicing the presence of God.

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus ushers in wisdom from these two everyday saints, more than 400 years apart, to teach and inspire you to experience the nearness of God in your life. Through rich devotional content from Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the Presence of God, accompanied by original art and never-before-published insights from Joni, you’ll experience a unique blend of past and present wisdom on such themes as humility, thankfulness, fear, worship, obedience, and more. Each devotion ushers you into the peace of the Good Shepherd.

Genres: Devotional, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

Joni Eareckson Tada is an American evangelical Christian author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization "accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community".

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Suffering has a way of heaving you beyond the shallows of life where your faith tends to feel ankle-deep. It casts you out into the fathomless depths of God, a place where Jesus is the only One who can touch bottom.” JET

Using Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the Presence of God as her catalyst, Tada shares short devotionals on experiencing the presence of God. She acknowledges emphasizing the presence of Jesus while Lawrence stressed God as Father. An extraordinary devotional companion.

“Sometimes I consider myself … as a stone before the carver, whereof He is to make a statue. I desire Him to make His perfect image in my soul, and render me entirely like Himself.” BL

Revelations of Tada’s personal struggles with morality and spirituality increase credibility. She has suffered her Dark Night of the Soul—a night even deeper than her physical tragedy—and emerged as from the tomb a new and better creature.

“You are charged with the responsibility of keeping your soul wide open toward Christ. Intimacy with your God is at stake.” JET

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read anything written by Brother Lawrence. I enjoyed how author Joni Eareckson Tada included brief devotions from Brother Lawrence on the left side of the book, followed by Joni's commentary on the devotion on the right. The readings include 110. The book brilliantly integrates illustrations by Joni Eareckson Tada who created these incredible pen and ink drawings with her mouth.

I thought the book's introduction did a good job of summarizing Joni and Brother Lawrence's difficult journey. I knew Joni's destiny, but I did not know Lawrence's.


The simple technique of praying for Jesus' presence makes it easier for the reader to sense the ability we have to cling to joy and hope in the face of the daily grind, which frequently pulls us away from our true mission in life, which is to grow in our love for God and one another. Joni has a special way of expressing Jesus' love. I have always found her to be inspirational, and this new devotional provides even more positive insight.

Both suffered immensely, to overcome the obstacles in their lives, they learned to rely on their faith and ongoing communication with their Lord. This book filled me with comfort, encouragement, and a new insight on life.

Disclosure Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

[PhyllisRBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say that I love Joni Eareckson Tada’s perspective. It has been born through trials that she has chosen to accept and perfect by digging intensely into relationship with Jesus. I have loved Brother Lawrence’s book for many years now. This compilation takes practicing the presence of God to another level by seeking Jesus within the presence of God and drawing so much more from Him.

Each of the 110 devotions begin with a quote from Brother Lawrence complete with correlating page number. The body of each impassioned segment takes the reader much deeper into the topic with a question for contemplation at the end.

I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a blessing and a challenge to me. I appreciate the author’s transparent sharing of her own experiences and challenges in life and in her walk with God as these enable the reader to apply the Truth shared here to his/her own life. This is a book worth reading, meditating on, and digging into multiple times. I’m sure if I read it again, even right after finishing it, I would learn and glean different lessons each time. Having read the digital version, I am tempted to get a paper copy so I can hold it and mark in it. I highly recommend the resource for the challenge and encouragement it is to one’s faith.

I asked for a copy of this book for review, but the thoughts expressed here are wholly my own.

[Karen Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus
Daily Meditations on the Nearness of our Savor
By Joni Eareckson Tada with John Sloan

This little devotional book packs quite a punch. It features 110 devotions with a quote from Brother Lawrence on one side and a meditation from Joni on the other. If you want to continue in self-pity or lukewarm Christianity, do not read this book!
I found it to be quite encouraging. Joni can speak with authority on the blessing of suffering. She shares her secrets of communion with Jesus in simple childlike terms. Though the selections are short, they leave the reader with much to ponder.
I highly recommend this book and I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy for this, my honest review.

[Joan Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joni Eareckson Tada is well known among evangelicals for her faith and courage amidst suffering. As is customary in her writings, one can see her utter dependence on God. This devotional book adds her thoughts to those of Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk. Each short chapter gently and succinctly challenges the reader to purposefully dwell in the presence of the Savior. A worthy addition to a Christian's devotional shelf.

[Barbara Dougherty Evans · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this devotional book.

This book was not really what I expected. The devotionals are rather short and I expected more from Joni and could have done with way less from Brother Lawrence.

When I buy a book from Joni, I expect to read Joni.

Would not recommend if you want a Joni Eareckson Tada devotional

[Tina Mullener · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading Joni Eareckson Tada newest book. Brother Lawrence developed the Practice of the Presence of Jesus over 300 years ago, but his thoughtful and intentional daily engagement with Jesus is more important in today’s hurried world than ever!

Thank you for this book!

I received an ARC from NetGalley to read and give my honest review!

[Emily Vreken · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anyone knows how to practice the presence of Jesus, it's Joni Eareckson Tada, who has been a quadriplegic since she was a teen. Tada takes the words of 17th century Bishop Lawrence and relates them to her life and the lives of her readers. She reminds readers of the unfailing, unchanging promises of God. A great read for any Christian!

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joni takes you down a path of real life and walking in the presence of Jesus. She also is honest about the fact that it takes practice and there are decisions to be made all the time as to how we will go forward each day that determine our walk and willingness to honor God in our words, responses and deeds.

[Karen Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother Lawrence and Joni Tada together? How can it not be a lifechanging book? A friend got me this Christmas 2025 and I'm mulling over the gems found in affliction again in 2026. I bought this book for so many. Recommend 1000%

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus is a wonderful book, leading to further contemplate Jesus's presence in our lives.

[Monica Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me pause and ponder on the goodness and forgiveness of Jesus. He is always near and when He feels far away it is because I have moved from Him.

[Audrey Ateca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good thoughts. I would have preferred more scripture throughout though

[Phe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great devotional, combining wisdom from the past with the words of Joni Eareckson Tada, would definitely recommend.