Practice of the Presence of God: Being Conversations and Letters of Nicholas Hermann of Lorraine

Written by Brother Lawrence

Narrated by Scott Brick

"My most usual method is this simple attention, an affectionate regard for God to whom I find myself often attached with greater sweetness and delight than that of an infant at the mother's breast. To choose an expression, I would call this state the bosom of God, for the inexpressible sweetness which I taste and experience there." This is how "Brother Lawrence" describes his constant practice of speaking with and reflecting upon God amidst the mundane tasks of life. Nicholas Herman (c. 1605-1691) was born in Lorraine, France, and served as a cook and shoe repairer at a Carmelite monastery. He was only a lay member of the order, and walked with a limp from injuries incurred as a soldier, yet his private thoughts provide a wellspring of devotional insight and refreshment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ChristianAudio.com
• Release date: Jun 1, 2004
• ISBN: 9781596440005

Reviews for Practice of the Presence of God

[thornton37814 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a Christian classic that I revisit every few years. I first discovered it as an undergraduate student because a fellow student enjoyed it immensely. In a series of conversations and letters, Brother Lawrence shows the importance of remembering that God is always with you and acting like He is by conversing with Him constantly. Any book that makes me want to read it as often as this slim volume has over the years is a 5 star read!

[Bill Martin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Not only is this a classic, one worthy of attention from Catholics and Protestants alike, but also this particular narration by Scott Brick is excellent. Scott narrated Ron Chernow's Hamilton, if I remember correctly, and kept it interesting for almost 800 pages. He's the best (American) non-fiction narrator I've heard.

I won't be able to add much to the discussion of this classic--only to point out two personal observations. First, I hadn't realized that Brother Lawrence conceived of his organically-developed spirituality as a "rule" of life in contrast with other monastic rules. I realize his was a seventeenth-century lay spirituality, but in contrast to other options (the Rule of St. Benedict, for example), it seems a radical departure.

As an example of lived spirituality, as a Protestant Christian, I find it very helpful. At more than one point, Brother Lawrence states his reliance on the grace of God in Christ and his assurance by faith in that grace. While his (implicit) soteriology seems pre-Reformation Catholic (Biel) to me, his emphasis on grace, faith, and personal devotion could almost resonate with the practical spirituality of Pietists and/or Puritan writers of his generation.

He certainly challenged me to let ALL supposed spiritually in my life flow from the love of God, and nothing less. Unfortunately, that is a rebuke for my heart. Fortunately, I hear it loud and clear.

I'm ignorant as to how this classic has been received in the church. I've heard about it all my Christian life, but until this reading (audio and Kindle), I had not read the entire thing.

Do yourself a favor. Take an hour and listen. Well worth the time and impact it may have on your life.

[jeanbmac · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a lovely, lovely book.

[stthomasym · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is one of the most powerful prayer books I've ever read. Brother Laurence opened my eyes on what prayer actually is and is not. In one part of the book, he shares that after working on this "practice of the presence of God", he often felt as close to Jesus doing the dishes as he did in the chapel - for Him, the work of our lives is to be done in total union with Jesus Christ. A life changing read for sure.

[gottfried_leibniz-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After reading the Ignatian spirituality, I am amazed to see that this book lined up with the same message, "The Presence of God."

The more I get close with Christ, the deeper I see my wickedness.
I think, the message which this book taught me was that during tough times, I would to ask God to love him more than ever. The struggle would be real, but to love him during that time? Not easy

We are created to love him, every moment, at times we wander off. It is our duty to love him with all our heart.

I see God working in subtle things in my life, every day. I remember, I borrowed an umbrella from a retired professor on my campus. I was worried how I was going to find him again but to my surprise, he just appeared right infront of me at that second, when I was walking inside a building.

Let us try to grow closer with the Lord and rely on him each moment.
Love is the most important quality, without love mortification of the sins wouldn't be efficious.

We must study ever to regard God and his Glory in all that we do, that is the end - Brother Lawrence

[longhorndaniel · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brother Lawrence is one of my new heros now. a must read for any Christian with a passion for learning.

[erika.d · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best Christian books I have read in a long time. Brother Lawrence's faith and guidance is a blessing. If you want to learn how to stay in the presence of God, read this book.

[bwhitner-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was good but repetitive. Sound advice on how to be in Gods presence. Slow read.

[delenburg-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I actually read this online and am not sure it was the whole text. Definitely an interesting view on daily Christian experience by a monk.

[cjyurkanin · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A very short primer by a lay Carmelite brother from the 1600's on finding joy in all things through the sweet surrender to Divine Will. Not a how-to but a what-can-be-accomplished, leading to the "unclouded vision" of the Creator.

Composed of letters, spiritual maxims, and a character study by a contemporary.

"Believe me, count as lost each day you have not used in loving God."

[gpaisley_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simple yet profound, a challenge to think differently.

[janesteen_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Where I got the book: purchased on the Nook (yes, it does happen).I'm not really sure what to say about this little book. I guess I was expecting some great revelation about how to be a better Christian but the basic message here is "practice the presence of God every day." Hmmm. That's a bit like opening a book and finding written inside, "This is a book. Read it." Don't get me wrong, Brother Lawrence sounds like a great guy. In fact the book is part memoir, part biography, part letters and so on. It's a collection of documents by and about Brother Lawrence who, from the sound of it, was a genuinely humble, dedicated follower of Christ. I think this book may inspire some people; it just didn't inspire me, and probably that's indicative of my own spiritual status (low on the scale). I know I SHOULD practice the presence of God; I'm not sure HOW, and maybe it's one of those things like riding a bike; you try until you get it, and once you get it you don't know how you were ever not able to do it.Maybe I should revisit this one in ten years' time. Will there still be a Nook, I wonder?

[harrod_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a very nice little book. Should be read slow And quietly.

[zangasta · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

"I recommend to you that you do the thing that I am thinking of in my mind right now. Do it and you will be rewarded."That's all that ever get's said. What the thing in Lawrence's mind is, we are never told. Which is of course typical of Christianity: at the end of the day it is whatever you make it.Poor man.

[baruchviviers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am left speechless as we can walk with the presence of God in all our comings and goings daily moment by moment.

[goodgeniuslibrary · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Brother Lawrence is a wonderful example of a person who has learned to soley focus on God and take great pleasure in His presence. I highly question whether he would have achieved such singularity of mind had he lived with a wife and children in today's world. Never-the-less, his wisdom and lessons are something to strive for.

[ctpress_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very short devotional classic that reminds one of the importance of having God in your thoughts during your normal daily activities. That we have a tendency to break up our lives in sacred and secular activities - but God is a constant presence and should be recognised in everything we do - There is a lot to ponder upon in these concise reflections.

[rrhowell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A classic devotional work. What I like best about it is that he is a struggler, and he is not averse to explaining that he struggles and fumbles both with spiritual things, and with natural things.

[susan139 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The letters and accounts of a Brother who spent a large part of his life in the kitchens at a monastery. The letters tell of his day to day walk with God and their constant conversations.I found this book really uplifting and helpful

[bonbooko · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the second best book I have ever read in my life. It is simple and clear, and beautifully honest. The raw journal writings of the two men are life changing.