The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence

by James W. Goll

The presence of God is meant to be more than just an occasional event during Sunday morning Worship---you are meant to live in God's presence! In The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence, James W. Goll uncovers ancient and nearly forgotten keys to deeper intimacy with Christ Jesus while revealing the ease of working with Christ instead of for Him.

Through this book you will rediscover the lost precepts of Biblical meditation, contemplative prayer, and waiting on the Lord and learn how to apply them in your own life. Most importantly, you will gain inspiration for your own intimate walk and the courage to spread the fire His presence to everyone around you!

The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence also includes a modern-language translation of The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. An inspiration to James Goll, this 15th-century believer has inspired generations of Christians with his simple life and profound writings on the nature and presence of the Lord.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Prayer, Faith, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

James W. Goll, formerly known as Jim Goll, is the Director of Prayer Storm (founded 2009), Coordinator of Encounters Alliance, and author.

(wikipedia)

Reviews

[Mario · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found the author a very learned person, I felt I was reading a research paper instead of an original book. I didn't get much sense of his original writing/thoughts as he used multiple big excerpts from his library of books regarding this subject, in EVERY chapter. It is a good reference book for finding other books on the subject that will actually give more insight and info on the subject. For the info/excerpts contained, I give the book an extra star for the references.

[Marilyn Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was excellent. It makes it clear, no guess work on how to Practice the Presence of God.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence" strives to convince the reader that, in order to truly encounter God, it is necessary to practice continuous communion with God. In my view, this is a worthy goal; building any relationship requires that we invest time and effort. Somehow, that seems easier with other people. Conversations are more "tangible" and, in a way, require less effort because the individual is sitting right with us. By extension, it should be easy with God too - after all, He is with us all the time, much closer than the friend or acquaintance we are cultivating, so the author offers a step-by-step method based on the letters of Brother Lawrence, a French monk of the early to mid 19th century.

There is some value here, but I feel that author James Goll is struggling to write enough to make this volume "book-sized," sometimes beating his points to death. Part One addresses how we prepare to come into the presence of God, Part Two describes how we can quiet our souls as we wait for God to manifest Himself, and Part Three expounds on how we go to do is work.

For me, there are two real items of value for the reader First, Mr. Goll has clearly delved into the writings of Christian spiritualists who have gone before, and it is clear that he has personal internalized their wisdom. He offers the reader real value by including a good bibliography with each chapter, so that those who want to go to his primary sources can do so. And second, Part Four is the text of "The Practice of the Presence of God," The letters of Brother Lawrence.

Technically, the ebook is pretty well edited, and, although I abhor the overuse of exclamation points, the writing is pretty good. I probably would have rated as two stars except for the inclusion of the bibliography and the translated letters.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Reads is saying I finished the book. I am only halfway through. While I was reading one of the pages, my kindle went Batcrazy and jumped me to the end of the book. I simply touched it to turn the page. It took a bit of time to get back to my place because when I tried going to "last page read" my kindle took me to the end of the book again. I ended up going to the chapter listings and moving to the chapter I had been reading.
So far, I'm enjoying the book. I like that James Goll references people of all faiths. The Spirit moves people wherever they are. He made it clear that anyone who wants to get closer to God can do it. I find him to be a purveyor of love and unity. He's not divisive like so many people today. He recognizes that one place is not the holder of all truth and that we can learn about love and getting closer to God in an intimate relationship from more than just one source.
It's taking me awhile to finish the book because I have a habit of reading several books at once. Now that I'm halfway through, I'm hoping to concentrate on this book and finish it up. It's not like reading a mystery story. I can glean good ideas from what I read, put them to use, then read more later for other valuable ideas on how to achieve what I hope to achieve.
I'll give him a 5 star rating for being clear, sincere, and unifying. If I change my mind after finishing the book, I'll go back and change things.

[Jarm Boccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

"With all of our heart let us begin to be devoted to Him. Let us cast everything else out of our hearts. He would possess them alone. Beg this blessing from Him." This quote from Brother Lawrence sums up this concept which has fascinated me this last year. To think I could be in God's presence via the Holy Spirit at all times amazes me. But isn't that what God desires? And so should we who are called by His name. Always open to what He wills . . .

[Jessica Walton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not know this book was written from an Apostolic viewpoint. I cannot say I'm familiar with that sort of ministry so some things I read did not necessarily connect with me, being that I practice Baptist teachings. I finished the book in attempts to "get the meat and throw away the bone" if you will. I can't say that it was profoundly significant to me but hey give it a try maybe it will bless you in ways it didn't me

[Vicki Cottingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it helpful for understanding more about contemplative prayer and how to implement it in my life.

Whilst I believe it is useful to quote and refer to other writers who have written on the same topic, I did find the author included large chunks of quotes from various writers which at times left me thinking that this book was largely made up of others' opinions, rather than his own. For this reason, I have given him fewer stars.

[Joel Voegeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book insightful and challenging all at the same time. I would recommend to anyone trying to explore prayer, intercession or the secret place.

Look forward to reading many more books by James W. Goll

[Denice M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence

This book is very enlightening, I love the history and facts in it of those who were great examples of staying in the face of God and that quite praying was good❤️

[Jennifer German · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book

I love this book and will reread it often. May the word and
Faith come into my heart and stay there. God is so good all the time. The letters spoke to me. Amen

[Roseann · Rating 1 out of 5]

References

If you want to reference Saint Teresa of Avila and Brother Lawrence in the Carmelite rite, go to the Carmelite source.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book felt like a lit review of classic/contemplative Christian literature. It didn’t speak to me but would be beneficial for anyone who enjoys that writing style.

[Mark Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

[Xerxes Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched. I like how he qoutes other exceptional resources. Historical yet invites us into a new perspective of practicing His presence.

[Josh Sweeney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Literally don't understand how someone can only use masculine language for God when scripture gives us so much more to understand who God is in the midst of creation.

[Jamicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practice makes us Perfect!

I enjoyed the book and its practical approach to establishing the need and the importance of being with God. Awesome!

[Barbara Beebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visiting with the Lord

I found this book to be encouraging towards spending time with God and pressing through life's distractions to be still with Him.

[Patrick Lacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, combines most aspects of the Christian faith from evangelical, Charismatic to pietism and monastic contemplation . Doesn’t preach any strictly denominational believe. Very balanced

[Betty Warkentin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learning from a Master Teacher

There is so much to learn about God in this book that I think I will have to read it again and again.

[D Murgatroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I'd read this earlier!

[Ging · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not finished.
Foreword is by Mike Bickle.... shamed and sacked "director" of IHOPKC. Should I read it or throw it?

[Dan]

Are you a Christian Mystic? Do you even know what a Christian Mystic is? James Goll takes us on a journey to discover how to practice the presence of God.

This concept was first introduced by Brother Lawrence a Monastic priest from the 17th century. Goll will take you on a journey to explore the concepts first introduced by Brother Lawrence.

Before reading this book you may want to go to Manybooks.net and download a free copy of Brother Lawrence's book, Practicing the Presence of God. It is a short read of his letters.

This book can change your life if you want to explore the Christian Mystic that dwells deep within you.

Goll is from the "Charismatic" camp, so keep that in mind as you read. Some things you will want to set aside, but a majority of the work will challenge you.

[Drew Coffman]

As a huge fan of Brother Lawrence's initial work, I was hoping for additional insights with a modern perspective from this book by Goll. Unfortunately I didn't find many, and the book read more like a list of notes from his favorite books on prayer, as opposed to a real narrative or clear concept. My favorite bits were selected passages from Guyon, Nouwen, Murray, and others — and of course, the included Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence at the end.

[Tammy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book had a graet impact on my life. It teaches you how to have a deeper more personal relationship with our Lord and Savior. Jim Goll has away with words that take you to the heart of the Father. I feel that every Christian should read this book, their walk with the Lord will never be the same again.

[Kipahni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keep in mind it is written from a Charismatic/Penicostal Back ground, but it discusses the age old aesthetic practice of "centering" (quaker form of meditation) or Contemplative prayer (the idea is focusing on either a word from scripture of a characteristic of God and quieting everything around you and focusing on just that) I found it very helpful in my own journy.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just another book to add to the list of books I've been reading lately that challenge me so much spiritually. This book is teaching me just how hard and easy it is to just meditate on God's Word and to just "listen" to what God is saying to me instead of being the blabbermouth all the time. I definitely need to practice this lost art much more!!

[Amy Riccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just another book to add to the list of books I've been reading lately that challenge me so much spiritually. This book is teaching me just how hard and easy it is to just meditate on God's Word and to just "listen" to what God is saying to me instead of being the blabbermouth all the time. I definitely need to practice this lost art much more!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't know how to hear God's voice, how to feel His presence, or how to dig deeper with Him, this book is a very practical and deeply spiritual guide. These are principles I've learned through intuition and trial and error. This book gives a language to something I knew but didn't have the words for. Such an important book for such a time as his.

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author repeated himself quite a bit and quoted many other Christian authors on prayer and drawing closer to God, but the repetition is probably necessary. I appreciate that a modern-language version of Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence is included at the end of the text.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book

Truly a "goodread". It allowed time to stand still as it drew me to the very center of my own soul where God dwells in me the hope of glory. He is and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.