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

by Brother Lawrence, Matthew Fox (foreword)

This devotional classic is a compilation of Brother Lawrence’s letters and recorded conversations from the seventeenth century. Brother Lawrence was a simple French Carmelite lay brother who was able to achieve profound intimacy with God through the most 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. He spent much of his time in the kitchen of a Paris monastery. He learned that our daily activities and thoughts could be acts of worship, engaging in opportunities to “practice the presence of God” by thinking about and loving God. Also included is Brother Lawrence’s “Spiritual Maxims,” a collection of aphorisms and sayings that summarize his teachings. 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. Features a foreword by Matthew Fox, author of Sheer Joy.

Genres: Nonfiction

114 pages, Kindle Edition

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

[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.