The Practice of the Presence of God and The Spiritual Maxims [Paperback]

Brother Lawrence (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2006

A former soldier, French mystic Nicholas Herman, aka BROTHER LAWRENCE (1611?-1691), was converted to a powerful love of God at age 18 by a humble observation of nature, and his thoughts, collected in these two uncomplicated works of devotion, remain among the most pure and most powerful adorations of the divine. A lay Carmelite brother, Lawrence spent most of his time in the monastery's kitchens, and his simple, earthy observations on the direct paths to communication with God continue to inspire those seeking a stronger, more potent spirituality today.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

At any moment and in any circumstance, the soul that seeks God may find Him, and practice the presence of God.

Brother Lawrence, a seventeenth-century French monk, learned to practice the presence of God at all times. And you can, too. Here in one volume are two classic works by Brother Lawrence. Each book reveals how to practice God's presence and see His glory in every facet of your life.

The Practice of the Presence of God is a collection of documented conversations and letters that reveal the heart of this humble man. He wrote, "The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen . . . I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament."

Brother Lawrence's wisdom and spiritual insights have helped bring people closer to God for more than three centuries. The Spiritual Maxims of Brother Lawrence, a lesser known but equally outstanding work, is a summary of his teachings. Throughout, he develops one great theme, best expressed by the psalmist, "In Thy Presence is fulness of joy." --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (1611–1691) was a Carmelite monk who spent the greater part of his life in the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Paris. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Cosimo Classics (December 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1602060339
• ISBN-13: 978-1602060333
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #29,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Theology > General
  • #15 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Devotionals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best edition of this amazing little book, June 24, 2003

By 

kmurray (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Practice of the Presence of God, The (Paperback)

A friend told me about this wonderful little book and by providence I purchased this edition as my first copy from amazon.com. The book I received looked different from the one they show here on the site, but it was published by Fleming H. Revell, as shown. The Preface is wonderful and tells the story of Brother Lawrence, preparing you for the text within. When I bought an additional copy from a local bookstore for my graduating neice, I was shocked to find out that the copy (published by a different publisher with a very different Preface) was much more mind-driven and so much less loving! In my opinion, this is the copy to get if you want a true experience of the Divine comfort and companionship Brother Lawrence knew. I've been growing closer to God for 40 years and this little book has skyrocketed me even closer. I hope it does the same for you. Peace. :) k

54 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not sure if you have the Holy Spirit?, March 11, 2002

By 

buyaclue (IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Practice of the Presence of God, The (Paperback)

My pastor, who is mentoring me, recommended this book, when all our meetings were not helping me grow nor helping me throw off sinful habits.

In a world full of "doing", "performing", "keeping up with the Joneses", and an innumerable other distractions and pressures, Brother Lawrence was a man gifted by God to have the vision of true fellowship with God. He tells us simply that being a Christian means to have a constant love relationship with God, only made possible through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. He reminds us not be guilty or ashamed (a very difficult thing to know if you're not told explicitly, and something only known through faith).

The message of the churches (at least in the Western world) has been so diluted by the culture of "results" and "knowledge". We are often given guilt trips by church leader because we aren't "up to par" or because we don't buy into the church's vision. After attending a church for many years, we're still spiritually dry, and at the same time expected to serve more and more? Is that the abundant life?
Instead, we are supposed to be taught how to have fellowship with God! From that, everything else flows. There are no shortcuts!

Brother Lawrence exhorts us to have such a dear love for God that we are completely at rest with Him. It does takes time and discipline to develop the intimacy, but with any other love relationship (w/spouse, etc.), after a little effort and focus, the love between the two of you carries the relationship quite automatically.

I can truly see how the Holy Spirit is changing me because of this book, by no effort on my part to change myself. All I have to do is to be in love with Jesus. His power in me is allowing me to be more disciplined in many areas of life, and loosening my attachment to worldly things. Plus, I have a new appreciation for Jesus' gift in taking my punishment upon Himself. How could He love such wretched people as us? That's the greatness of His love.

The vast majority of Christian books out there present such profound truths, and we're so in awe of the new things we've "learned". Yet they usually don't draw us closer to God, because they're filled with mechanical methods. "Practice the Presence" is a great book, not because of the wisdom of the author, but because it points us directly to God Himself.

Back to my original question: Do you have the Spirit?
You know you have the Holy Spirit if you have His presence, because they are one in the same. Don't miss out on God's gifts!

Some Biblical references:
- Lk 10:38-42 (note that Martha was not chastised for her service, but for being worried and upset)
- Acts 1:4-5 (Jesus told the disciples not to do anything until the Spirit came upon them)
- Gal 3:3 (don't use human effort)
- Lk 15:1-2 (Jesus welcomes us unconditionally. Do you think He told the fornicators to stop thinking lustful thoughts before He would eat with them? Seems rather that He welcomed them first, even with their evil thoughts, and let His loving presence change them)
- 1 Cor 13:1-3 (love is the foundation)
- John 15:5 (speaks for itself)

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and Accessible Mysticism for Us Every Day Folks, August 5, 2006

By 

Wisdom Lover - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Practice of the Presence of God and The Spiritual Maxims (Paperback)

This former soldier entered a Carmelite monastery as a lay brother after spending some time in the very much real world. He became much loved for his friendliness and devotion and we are grateful that he was befriended by a member of the Catholic bureaucracy from outside the monastery. Thus, we have his letters and maxims, and biographical material.

The good Brother gives clear and specific ways of handling our wayward thoughts, our errant behavior, our confusion, depression, and spiritual doubts. Anyone from any faith tradition would enjoy and benefit from the esteemed Brother's thoughts. It is not hard to take away a deep faith in this simple practice after just a page or two and see immediate results in one's life. This is a gentle, non-demanding way of continual prayer, that never seems to burden one, or to be a forceful or forced act. Hopefully, this will be a primer for starting contemplative or meditation practice for the reader.