The Practice of the Presence of God

This is a timeless and deeply moving book that beautifully captures what it means to live in constant awareness of God’s presence. Brother Lawrence’s simple yet profound wisdom reminds us that we don’t have to wait for a special moment or place to connect with God. He’s with us in the ordinary, daily rhythms of life. What makes this book so powerful is its humility and authenticity. Brother Lawrence’s love for God shines through every page as he shares how washing dishes, sweeping floors, or doing the smallest tasks can become acts of worship when done with a heart focused on Him. Reading this feels like being gently guided back to the heart of true devotion, quiet, consistent, and full of peace. It’s the kind of book that you can read over and over again, always finding fresh encouragement to draw closer to God in the midst of your everyday life. A true spiritual classic that every believer should read at least once. 💛

This book is a simple yet profound guide to deepening one’s relationship with God in everyday life. Brother Lawrence’s wisdom teaches how to cultivate constant awareness of God’s presence, even in the most mundane tasks. His humility and devotion are inspiring, reminding us that prayer and communion with God are not limited to formal moments but can be woven into every aspect of our lives. The language is straightforward, making it an easy read, yet the spiritual insights are deeply transformative. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your faith or find peace in daily life, this book offers timeless guidance. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a closer walk with God!

Great compilation of letters. It’s a book you can read 10 times and get something different each time.

Inspiring, and helpful little book. Brother Lawrence had quite an interesting yet minimalist life, even before joining the Carmelites. His regret for not practicing the presence sooner in life is palpable. I won't pray to God to make me just a better man, but instead to make me more like Brother Lawrence who seemed to have led a life of great devotion to the Lord. The story of his life and his faith shows how much more we could be doing for the Lord in our daily lives. The printing was fine all around, no issues.

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 from 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 should 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 !

Phenomenal book, highly recommended.

This is not a light book to read. This is like Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Opposing premise, of course, as it states the glory of God’s goodness and mercy, but this is not easy to read for almost anyone. How can I say this to define the process of reading this rite more eloquently and true to m personal experience? There is little clarity in the first few letters of the nature of God that writer wants and I believe intends to reader to understand and believe as fact. It actually is only towards the end that this nature of God is more evident in the writing. Again, not easy. Dense in syntax above all else. Recommend this although read this as intended from the start and not solely read what is written. You will gain much more pleasure in the literature that way.

a classic book that invokes deep thoughts

Informative and amazing. Being in the presence of God is wonderful, please read, it life transforming and empowering

Whilst you may not agree with everything Brother Lawrence has to say, there are to me, some fundamental truths in here which are worth practising! If like me, you struggle somewhat with retreats, personal reflection and contemplation to bring you closer to God, this book offers great encouragement and ideas to help re motivate and look at things from a slightly different perspective. I found it very helpful. I hope you do too. It is quick and easy to read in one sitting or you can dip in and out of it as and when you need it.

Gente, é um livro de bolso. Mas ainda fiquei feliz com ele. No Brasil livros em inglês são caros.

The book is an excellent read and very satisfying indeed

Le livre est en excellente condition