The Practice of the Presence of God - Softcover

Lawrence, Brother

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1495341631 ISBN 13: 9781495341632

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review

..."[This book] has opened up the personal interconnections within the movement as never before."

"The Practice of the Presence of God was a pivotal book in my spiritual growth. It showed me there was no division between work that is secular and work that is sacred. When done 'unto God rather than men, ' all work is sacred. And Brother Lawrence, with his sleeves rolled up and his hands elbow deep in the sink, shows us in everyday ways how to turn the kitchens in our lives into cathedrals."
--Ken Gire, author of Moments with the Savior, Windows of the Soul, and The Divine Embrace

The Practice of the Presence of God was a pivotal book in my spiritual growth. It showed me there was no division between work that is secular and work that is sacred. When done unto God rather than men, all work is sacred. And Brother Lawrence, with his sleeves rolled up and his hands elbow deep in the sink, shows us in everyday ways how to turn the kitchens in our lives into cathedrals.
Ken Gire, author of Moments with the Savior, Windows of the Soul, and The Divine Embrace"

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."

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1495341631
• ISBN 13: 9781495341632
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 52