The Practice of the Presence of God: and The Spiritual Maxims

by Brother Lawrence, Matthew Fox (Foreword)

This timeless spiritual treasure has illuminated the hearts of many who yearn for the awe-inspiring knowledge of the divine presence in a hectic modern world.

Brother Lawrence was a simple French Carmelite lay brother who achieved profound intimacy with God through mundane activities. He taught that the highest communion with God is not reserved for extraordinary moments but permeates the very core of our most ordinary days. Spending much of his time in the kitchen of a Paris monastery, Brother Lawrence learned that our daily activities could be acts of worship, engaging in opportunities to “practice the presence of God” by thinking about and loving God. This practice can transform our lives and help us find peace and joy amid chaos.
  Compilation of Brother Lawrence's Letters and Conversations: Delve into the seventeenth-century wisdom of Brother Lawrence through his inspiring letters and recorded conversations. Profound Intimacy with God: Learn how Brother Lawrence's teachings guide us to find God in the ordinary, turning daily tasks into acts of worship. Timeless Teachings on the Presence of God: This classic work illustrates that true communion with God is accessible every day, not just during special moments. Practical Spiritual Guidance: Emphasizes that mundane activities can be transformed into spiritual practices, enriching our connection with the divine. Inclusion of "Spiritual Maxims": Offers a collection of aphorisms and sayings encapsulating Brother Lawrence's core teachings. Inspiring to the Modern Reader: Provides a beacon of spiritual knowledge for those seeking divine presence amidst the chaos of contemporary life. Foreword by Matthew Fox: Features insights from the renowned author of Sheer Joy, adding context and depth to Brother Lawrence's writings.
 
Learn to connect with God more deeply and live your life with more love and compassion with the Practice and Presence of God.
 

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2012

About the author

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 Discalced Carmelite Priory in Paris.

Nicolas entered the priory in Paris as a lay brother, not having the education necessary to become a cleric, and took the religious name, "Lawrence of the Resurrection." He spent almost all of the rest of his life within the walls of the priory, working in the kitchen for many of these years and as a repairer of sandals in his later years.

Despite his lowly position in the life of the priory, his character attracted many to him. He had a reputation for experiencing profound peace and visitors came to seek spiritual guidance from him. The wisdom he passed on to them in conversations and in letters would later become the basis for the book The Practice of the Presence of God.

[From Wikipedia]

Reviews

[Dom Arce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aspirational

Reading the words and acts of Brother Lawrence feels equally inspiring and disquieting. There are takes that I don't agree with, but his overall devotion and continuous practice of the presence of God is something I am in complete awe of.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshed look at an old classic. Brother Lawrence was a simple monk who worked in the kitchen. However, he found God in every moment of life. A good look at what true devotion looks like in someone who makes no distinction between the secular and the divine.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simplicity

A book about humility and how that opens the door for us to rest in God’s presence, no matter what is happening around us.

[Dillon Noltensmeyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF: 3.4/5

It’s honestly better but it’s so repetitive. It’s clearly not meant to be a book, as it was originally composed of letters

[john capozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring

A Deep dive into connecting with God. A true inspiration to help in your journey to spiritual healing. Great read

[Maximilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must-read for anyone who wants to learn to pray.

[Renata Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a Christmas gift.
I enjoyed reading it and did learn a few things