Product Description

The original guide to “practicing the presence of God”

Customer Reviews (124)

Good book
I have just skimmed this book so far - but our Pastor recommended it and I have liked what I have gone through.

We love this book!
My husband ordered this book on a recommendation from a good friend. I haven't read it yet but he couldn't put it down. He loaned to a family member and then I'm next. A very practicle book that really explains in no nonsense terms how to get before the Lord and really spend time with him in a personal way.

The best I've evr come across
Many versions of this book have been printed but, in terms of ease of reading and getting to the core of its material this is the best copy that I have come across. I hope and pray that this edition will be available for many years to come - Hint to the publishers!

The Missing Piece of Our Spirituality
It's nice to see a variety of new editions of The Practice of the Presence of God out there and that this little book is readily available.This Paraclete edition has some materials in addition to the Conversations and Letters found in all editions and may, therefore, be worth getting for those who want more from and about Brother Lawrence.

To me, practicing the presence of God is the missing part of the life of prayer and worship in the lives of many Christians.This little book is a basically a commentary on these 3 words from 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "pray without ceasing."Brother Lawrence was able to achieve this by continually turning to God throughout the day as he worked in a kitchen and by carrying on a familiar conversation with God before, during, and after work.

The main part of the book is divided into Sections: 4 Conversations and 15 Letters.Personally, I found the letters more compact and helpful.This particular edition also includes A Eulogy of Brother Lawrence, Spiritual Maxims, and Brother Lawrence's Way of Life, all of which are helpful additions.Throughout, Brother Lawrence communicates some profound truths about how to pray without ceasing.

Here are just a few of his insights:
The foundation of the spiritual life in him had been "a high notion and esteem of God."

"We should establish ourselves in a sense of God's presence by continually conversing with Him."

"We ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity."

"The most excellent method he had found of going to God was that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing men, and (so far as we are capable) purely for the love of God."

"That we ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed."

Here are some of the blessings that have come from Practicing the Presence of God in my own life:
1.I'm more ready to respond with peace, grace, and love to any situation.
2.It fills in all the empty spaces in a life of worship, service, and prayer.
3.It means I'm never very far from God and can't drift very far.
4.If I don't have time for a more extensive time with God during the day it's O.K. because I've been with Him all along.

A few cautions are in order.While practicing the presence of God as Brother Lawrence describes is a wonderful and potent blessing to all who practice it, the devotional life must also be fed by specific prayers, Scripture, and the worship of the Church.Brother Lawrence never speaks of the Scriptures, which is somewhat odd.Practicing the presence of God is best seen to be like breathing.It's what sustains us moment by moment in God, but there are many other things we must do to have life as well.

Another concern is that Brother Lawrence makes the practicing of the presence of God sound very easy.Maybe it was for him, but it is not for most of us.I wish he had included more practical and specific advice about what to think and pray when turning to God, and how to move step by step towards a life where one is truly practicing the presence of God day by day.(In one of the Conversations, some of his method is revealed.)

In spite of these few concerns, The Practice of the Presence of God will enrich your life and devotion to God if you meditate on what Brother Lawrence says and begin practicing it.One of the greatest benefits of Brother Lawrence's little book is precisely that it's little.Because of its relative brevity, a lot more of us are likely to read it and apply it.

Nice book-relevant after 300 years!
Much to recommend about this simple, short book. Especially relevant to those looking for meaning in seemingly unimportant work, and those looking for a simple way to redefine a relationship with their higher power. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Worth the read
Book is great. Very simple. Helps take away some of the confusing things of God and shrink it down to layman terms to help give us a better understanding. Get your highlighter ready because there are a lot of amazing quotes.

Practicing God's Presence
Easy to read, fits in purse or pocket. Ready for meditation at any time. Helpful format.

GORDY'S REVIEW
This book clearly reinforces the legacy of Biblical Truth through the interpretation of Brother Lawrence from many years ago.

Great New Devotional!
I'll be honest with you... there is a serious need in the Christian market for books like this.Reading this book opened up the words of Brother Lawrence like no other book I've ever read before!The updated language in this book (that's perfect for use as a devotional) made the timeless teachings of Brother Lawrence accessible to a whole new generation of readers.I know there may be those who say otherwise, but recent translations of the Bible like the Message and books like Mr. Elmer's latest are wonderful resources that today's Christians cannot overlook.

Missed Opportunity
This is a really weak and uninspired translation - really a rewriting - of Brother Lawrence's classic little book.The author/translator says that this is a "thought-for-thought" translation rather than a literal one, and admits that this is a risky proposition.He's right that it's risky, especially when a writer is careless and takes unwarranted license with a text, and unfortunately he's failed in his attempt.It could and should have been otherwise.The author goes overboard trying to make the book sound contemporary, filling it with American colloquialisms and excessive informality to the point that it often sounds like a trivial conversation between teenagers ("let's bulldoze the dike that holds back God's flood," "let's cash in lost time," "if death is tailgating us, we need to be ready," "life offers no `do-overs'," don't look for the pleasure payoff," and on and on).There are places where subject and verb don't agree and other grammatical or stylistic errors cause a lack of clarity.When a writer allows himself great license, he can't blame problems like these on the original text.The author has been a news reporter and advertising copywriter, and it shows.This is too important a book to be treated with this much sloppiness and irreverence.I'm surprised at NavPress for letting this one slip through, and I strongly suggest that you buy a better version (the Whitaker House version, for example, is better and cheaper). ... Read more

Product Description
Here is a small book with the Maxims of Brother Lawrence. The book is set up so that you can absorb these maxims with short, easy readings each day over the course of one month, allowing you ample time to reflect and meditate upon each maxim. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A rip off
This is just a few lines per day, not really a book! It should really be part of Brother Lawrence's other book. Realy disappointing.

good mediation material
this book is great for helping you focus on God at the beginning of a time of devotion.

Good devotional
Its as bare bones as you get - 30 days with a saying from Brother Lawrence each day. No commentary. No format.But just sitting with those sayings and meditating on them is peace giving and faith developing.Excellent gift for someone practicing spiritual formation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A Primer in centering prayer
This little book is a reflective how-to manual on continuous prayer/meditation.It takes the reader step by step to the point where he or she is ready to practice what today we would call the centering prayer. It was the text for a workshop on prayer I recently attended, and all of the participants agreed it was a great help.It's also a great guide to books and movies that deal with prayer and meditation.

Super!
I wish Walters has written this book 25 years ago, when I was struggling (fruitlessly) with prayer.My failure to make any sort of meaningful connection soured me on the whole thing for the next twenty years.Walters hits the nail on the head in this step-by-step retreat on prayer/meditation.The problem I made years ago, and the problem too many other people make, is that we try too hard when it comes to praying.Letting go is a lot more difficult than grabbing onto.Anybody who wants a richer prayer life will cherish this little book.

Super!
I wish Walters has written this book 25 years ago, when I was struggling (fruitlessly) with prayer.My failure to make any sort of meaningful connection soured me on the whole thing for the next twenty years.Walters hits the nail on the head in this step-by-step retreat on prayer/meditation.The problem I made years ago, and the problem too many other people make, is that we try too hard when it comes to praying.Letting go is a lot more difficult than grabbing onto.Anybody who wants a richer prayer life will cherish this little book.

I've read it twice
I don't much like your typical retreat or howtodoit spirituality book, but this one is different.The best way to describe it is a Zen approach to Xtian prayer, where the reader/retreatist discovers that he's the riddle that needs to be solved.Very good.(although I can't figure out what the description listed by amazon.com has to do with the book.seems like it should be for another book)

Excellent!!
Where else can you find Monty Python, C.S. Lewis, and the Kabbalah, all wrapped up in a single book?+Praying Ceaselessly+ is a gem.Anybody who has tried to meditate but quit after a few sessions ought to read it.You'll get some fantastic tips on mind-control and prayer, and along the way you'll meet two men worth knowing--Brother Lawrence and the Russian Pilgrim.I really recommend this one.It's funny in places, sorta tearful in others, and inspiring everywhere. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A rare gem (spirituality)
A rare gem (spirituality)

As a "follower of Christ" (Christian) who considers himself an Evangelical Protestant, this little devotional book will hold a special place in my library and my heart. For all Christian believers, the richness and power of Brother Lawrence's life's witness and words are a fountain of Truth, a treasure that is as elegant (spiritually) as it is simple. For the non-believers, I am afraid that reading this booklet (a spiritual treasure in disguise) will just confirm St. Paul the Apostles's words that "the message of the cross is ... foolishness to the Gentiles" (1 Corinthians. 1:18, 23 and 2:14).

The only way to do justice to this booklet is to quote from it and let you get a taste of it ...

This is a unique biography because it is not compiled by the Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (birth name Nicholas Herman but known by his monastic name) but by the ones around his life in 17th century France. Thus one learns very little about the beginnings of his life but very much about his godly lifestyle in the last 30 years of life of bliss (presence of God in his heart) and suffering (3 physical and debilitating ailments).

We learn about this Spirit-filled vessel in God's vineyard - Brother Lawrence, by reading the Eulogy of the abbot of Lawrence's Christian community, 4 short notes of his conversations with his spiritual father - Abb? de Beaufort, 16 very short letters of spiritual advice and encouragement Brother Lawrence wrote to friends and seekers, a manuscript found at his death called "Spiritual Maxims" and a memoir of a leader in the church in France.

The followings are a selection of the many highlights and underlined phrases and sentences for this book:

"Busy yourself with keeping your mind in the presence of the Lord."

"My most normal habit is to simply keep my attention on God, and to be generally and lovingly aware of Him."

"I occupy myself solely with keeping my attention on God and by being generally and lovingly aware of Him."

"We have an infinitely good God who knows what we need."

"Console yourself with the One who keeps you fastened to the cross."

"We should love our friends, but without prejudicing the love of God which must be first."

"Think often about Him; worship Him without ceasing. Life and die with Him. This is the beautiful call in the life of a Christian."

"...we shuld love one another through our words of counsel and even more through our good examples."

"...our only business in this life is to please God. ... my little progress in the path of perfection."

"I applied myself to practicing the presence of God ... Doing this gave me such a high esteem for God that faith alone was capable of satisfying me."

"A devout woman told me that the spiritual life is a life of grace that begins with service fear, increases through the hope of eternal life, and is consumated by pure love."

MY PRAYER: May we all experience God's love, which truly can consume all other passions, and be filled with His grace which will empower us to truly love our neighbors (Christian and non-Christian) as ourselves. This is my life goal ! ... Read more

Product Description
This book maps out a thirty-day spiritual journey based on the classic work of Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God. Discover how Brother Lawrence's insights can guide you in the midst of the hectic pace of your life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Be close to the heart of God.
This simple book from a simple man gives us 30 days with a spiritual master who has shown us the way to a more simple life.These meditations may be simple to the mind but one has to assimilate and take it one step further to the heart.St. Paul teaches us to pray without ceasing and Brother Lawrence gives to us simple words to enter the heart of the Lord. ... Read more

Product Description
Brother Lawrence (1614 to 1691) was a monk who today is mostcommonly remembered for the closeness of his relationshipwith God, as recorded in this little book. He spent almost all of hisadult life in solitude, poverty, and obscurity within the walls of apriory. He was known for profound peace and high commitmentto Jesus Christ. He cared not for the worldly status of his tasks,but the motivation behind it. "We can do little things for God,"he wrote. "I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love ofhim, and that done, if there is nothing else to call me, I prostratemyself in worship before him, who has given me grace to work;afterwards I rise happier than a king. It is enough for me to pickup but a straw from the ground for the love of God." Generationsafter his death, this book has become one of the most popularChristian books in history. It was oft quoted by John Wesley andA.W. Tozer, and today tens of millions of copies are in circulation.This edition is available on-demand and is printed in its originaltranslated format.Xulon Press is the country's leading on-demand publisher ofChristian books, with more than one million copies in print.Visit www.XulonPress.com. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

I like it.
Got this book from brookebooks, and had excellent service.This book was recommended by one of my teachers at VBI, and I like it.

Finding God...simple....
Brother Lawrence put his attention on "God" rather than his thoughts, and kept coming back to that until the only thing left was God. How to put your attention on "God"?Look out on the created world for a short moment without thinking.In that brief moment before thought, before labeling or judging or analyzying with your mind, is God.So stop thinking for a moment, notice the peace.Notice the "intelligent silence" and come back to it as often as you can. You can only do it for brief moments before the mind comes in.But it is enough.Give it your faith, your total commitment and and some point, God...Peace...Love...will become continuous and your experience will be that of Brother Lawrence. Simple.

BOOK REVIEW
Excellent small book about a monk who works in the kitchen of the monastery and talks in short paragraphs what it means to practice the Presence of God.Need to concentrate while reading because of the "old" writing.

Eureka!!!
This little book was an eye opener for me.Brother Lawrence clearly states how we as God's creatures should understand and relate to our Creator.And, how we relate to Him defines our earthly lives.

Brother Lawrence speaks from his own experience and his strong but simple faith in God.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a clear explanation of man's relationship to a God who is fully and really present to all of mankind.

Inspiring
This book has had a greater impact on my faith than many sermons I've heard. If you want to be inspired to change your thinking about what a truly intimate relationship with God is like, read this book. It will simplify your thinking. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a complete book with spiritual Maxims,Gathered Thoughts,Conversations and Letters by Brother Lawrence.Those in the thick of the great world will learn from this book how greatly they deceive themselves,seeking for peace and joy in the false glitter of the things that are seen yet temporal:those who are seeking the Highest God will gain from this book strength to persevere in the practice of the virtue.This unique book has a special significance as the theme is universal and so is the endeavour to practice the presence of God.The practice of 'sadhana'is referred to thus in the sacred Hindu Text'Yogasutras of Patanjali'. ... Read more

Product Description
The Practice of the Presence of God: The Best Rule of Holy Lifebeing Conversations and Letters of Brother LawrenceGood when He gives, supremely good;Nor less when He denies: Afflictions, from His sovereign hand, Are blessings in disguise. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Presence
Good book about how God wants us to have a continual conversation with Him so we will be able to live in His presence every day.God is always near us and will never leave us.He wants us to think of Him often, as we would a friend. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the work that has taught generations of Christians how to feel God's love while being in the thick of a busy world. In his letters, Brother Lawrence's example shines through. Despite being a one time solider and a man not formerly educated, Bro. Lawrence takes you to a place where you can find a direct way to know God and to grow in saintliness right now. No matter your circumstances you can know Him into your life now and forever. For more Traditional books please consider www.ChristianBooksToday.com, and if you represent a Charity that serves the people of God why not "Adopt a book" and receive a portion of the profit of every title sold to help your ministry or mission. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This little book will enrich your prayer life and your life!
I have my grandfather's copy of this book and have read over it several times in the course of my life.It's nice to see a variety of new editions out there and that this little book is readily available.This particular edition is a nice inexpensive one that contains only the book itself and no added material.

To me, practicing the presence of God is the missing part of the life of prayer and worship in the lives of many Christians.This little book is a basically a commentary on these 3 words from 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "pray without ceasing."Brother Lawrence was able to achieve this by continually turning to God throughout the day as he worked in a kitchen and by carrying on a familiar conversation with God before, during, and after work.

The book is divided into Sections: 4 Conversations and 15 Letters.Personally, I found the letters more compact and helpful.Throughout, Brother Lawrence communicates some profound truths about how to pray without ceasing.

Here are just a few of his insights:
The foundation of the spiritual life in him had been "a high notion and esteem of God."

"We should establish ourselves in a sense of God's presence by continually conversing with Him."

"We ought to act with God in the greatest simplicity."

"The most excellent method he had found of going to God was that of doing our common business without any view of pleasing men, and (so far as we are capable) purely for the love of God."

"That we ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed."

Here are some of the blessings that have come from Practicing the Presence of God in my own life:
1.I'm more ready to respond with peace, grace, and love to any situation.
2.It fills in all the empty spaces in a life of worship, service, and prayer.
3.It means I'm never very far from God and can't drift very far.
4.If I don't have time for a more extensive time with God during the day it's O.K. because I've been with Him all along.

A few cautions are in order.While practicing the presence of God as Brother Lawrence describes is a wonderful and potent blessing to all who practice it, the devotional life must also be fed by specific prayers, Scripture, and the worship of the Church.Brother Lawrence never speaks of the Scriptures, which is somewhat odd.Practicing the presence of God is best seen to be like breathing.It's what sustains us moment by moment in God, but there are many other things we must do to have life as well.

Another concern is that Brother Lawrence makes the practicing of the presence of God sound very easy.Maybe it was for him, but it is not for most of us.I wish he had included more practical and specific advice about what to think and pray when turning to God, and how to move step by step towards a life where one is truly practicing the presence of God day by day.(In one of the Conversations, some of his method is revealed.)

In spite of these few concerns, The Practice of the Presence of God will enrich your life and devotion to God if you meditate on what Brother Lawrence says and begin practicing it.One of the greatest benefits of Brother Lawrence's little book is precisely that it's little.Because of its relative brevity, a lot more of us are likely to read it and apply it.

Also, for those who have taken vows of poverty, have had poverty thrust upon them, or are just plain cheap, there are free versions of the book online.But it's much nicer and easier to hold this book in your hands.
... Read more

Product Description
A Modern English version of Brother Lawrence's conversations and letters about Practicing the Presence of God from the 1600's.Discover the secrets of maintaining love, joy and peace through Practicing God's Presence in the midst of the chaos all around. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a must have
This is and excellent volume and a true bargain.
It is a 'MUST READ' for anyone who is serious about spiritual growth and a personal relationship with God.

Simpler the Better -Brother Lawrence powerful book
A parish Priest recommended this book to me and said that he gave away 6 copies of it, and none have been returned. They must have done some good. I purchased 7 copies and proceeded to give them to my family and relatives. Then I read it. Brother Lawrence is a monk, who lived 300 years ago, and his life was dedicated to Christ, every minute of the day. In 90 pages, Jim Johnson's revision of Brother Lawrence's Letters, gives to all of us a very simple way to make our lives so much nicer, where in other books of 300 plus pages, one might miss the message entirely. Any layman can do what Brother Lawrence recommends, Catholic, or not, this book is a gift for the soul for anyone who believes in Jesus, and looks for peace of mind. ... Read more

Product Description
Brother Lawrence (1610-1691) was a Carmelite monk, who is today most commonly remembered for the closeness of his relationship to God as recorded in the classic Christian text, The Practice of the Presence of God the Best Rule of a Holy Life. He was born Nicholas Herman in Hériménil, near Lunéville in the region of Lorraine, located in modern day eastern France. He received a revelation of the providence and power of God at the age of 18, but it would be another six years before he joined the Discalced Carmelite Priory in Paris. In this intervening period he fought in the Thirty Years' War and later served as a valet. He was known for his profound peace and many came to seek spiritual guidance from him. The wisdom that 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 the Best Rule of a Holy Life. This work was compiled after Brother Lawrence died by one of those whom he inspired, Father Joseph de Beaufort, later vicar general to the Archbishop of Paris. ... Read more

Product Description
In this small book of letters and conversations, compiled after his death, Brother Lawrence simply and beautifully explains how to continually walk with God - not from the head but from the heart. Brother Lawrence expresses a way of life available to anyone who yearns to know God's peace and His presence. And anyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can practice it-anywhere, anytime. A direct approach to living in God's presence that is as practical today as it was three hundred years ago. ... Read more

Product Description
"The Practice of the Presence of God," compiled by Father Joseph de Beaufort, is a collection of the wisdom and teachings of Brother Lawrence, a 17th century Carmelite monk. This collection of letters and other records records his conversations, thoughts, and philosophy, chiefly a development of an awareness of the presence of God. ... Read more

Product Description
Brother Lawrence-(ca. 1614 -1691), Carmelite lay brother
Brother Lawrence was born Nicholas Herman in the region of Lorraine, located in modern day eastern France. He received a revelation of the providence and power of God at the age of 18, but it would be another six years before he joined the Discalced Carmelite Prior in Paris. In this intervening period he fought in the Thirty Years' War and later served as a valet.

Nicholas 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 most of his life and as a repairer of sandals in his later years.

Yet despite, or perhaps because of, his somewhat lowly position, his character attracted many to him. He was known for his profound peace and many came to seek spiritual guidance from him. The wisdom that 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. This work was compiled after Brother Lawrence died by one of those whom he inspired, Father Joseph de Beaufort, later vicar general to the Archbishop of Paris. It became popular among Catholics and Protestants alike, with John Wesley and A. W. Tozer being among those who recommended it. ... Read more

Product Description
For Catholics, Brother Lawrence is a little-known voicewho lived and taught how to abide in Christ through everydaysituations. Men and women who work in business can learn how topractice the presence of Christ. Those who stay at home canwalk in the Spirit, even when they are fulfilling mundanetasks. Brother Lawrence (1611-1691) was a monk who was not especiallytalented in everyday affairs. He was not an intellectual. He simplywas a man of faith who pleased God in simple ways. Drawing from hisclassic devotional on practicing the presence of God, Walking with theFather includes modernized versions of Brother Lawrence's writings,letters written about his teaching from those who knew him, and abrief biography. Join a host of Christians who throughout the ageshave grown to know the Lord in a deeper way through BrotherLawrences insights into walking with God moment by moment! ... Read more