The Practice of the Presence of God

Written by Brother Lawrence

Narrated by Stephen Johnston

More than three hundred years ago, a French monk named Brother Lawrence discovered how to live in God’s presence moment by moment. His reflections have become the devotional classic The Practice of the Presence of God. Discover his secret as you read this timeless classic!

Brother Lawrence was born Nicholas Herman in Lorraine province, France in about 1605. He came from a humble background and was an unlearned man. He became a Christian in 1629, and after being a soldier and a footman for some time, he entered the religious community of the Carmelites in Paris in about 1649. It was there, as a lay brother, that he took the name of Brother Lawrence. He remained in the community until his death in 1691. While in the community he worked most of the time as a helper in the kitchen; it is in this specific surrounding that he became known for his simple, practical faith.

Originally published in French as La pratique de la prâesence de Dieu.

About the Hendrickson Christian Classics series:
Acts of faith always start with a small “yes”—so how can you get better at hearing his call? Learning from trusted elders and writers in Christianity who walked before us is a fantastic way to begin! Whether you are looking to get more out of Scripture, be challenged by God’s relentless love, or gain a greater understanding for how Jesus reveals himself, the Hendrickson Christian Classics series will inspire and provoke you into a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Gain Fresh Insights and Perspectives
Whether you’re a new or longtime believer, get empowered and engaged in your walk with God by these inspirational Christian leaders who endured tremendous hardships, faced extreme persecution, and took consistent steps of faith!

The Hendrickson Christian Classics are for you if you want to:

• Learn how to experience the Holy Spirit’s presence daily
• Get a handle on Christian classics (like The Pilgrim’s Progress and others)
• Take your understanding of Scripture to a deeper level

Immerse yourself in these spiritual Christian classics!
Dive deep into these amazing masterworks and experience some of the greatest Christian classics, all masterfully narrated by Emmy Award winner Stephen Johnston:

• The Pilgrim’s Progress (by John Bunyan)
• Absolute Surrender (by Andrew Murray)
• The Practice of the Presence of God (by Brother Lawrence)
• How to Pray and How to Study the Bible (by R.A. Torrey)
• Heretics (by G.K. Chesterton)
• Humility (by Andrew Murray)
• In His Steps (by Charles Sheldon)
• The Imitation of Christ (by Thomas a Kempis)
• The Kneeling Christian (by Albert Richardson)
• Orthodoxy (by G.K. Chesterton)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781598567717

Reviews for The Practice of the Presence of God

[griffin_reads · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

While I have heard many good things about this book, it just did not sit right with me. It was very repetitive and seemed to glorify brother Lawrence, which seemed counterproductive to the goal.

[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.

[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.