The Practice of the Presence of God
by Brother Lawrence
|
List Price: Our Price: $2.12 You Save: $3.87 (65%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Practice of the Presence of God
Book Review: Scripture is Lacking
Summary: 2 Stars
The Practice of the Presence of God is a collection of spiritual insights into the heart of God as revealed through Brother Lawrence's letters, conversations, and his life itself. Brother Lawrence was a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in France during the 1600s. As a result of not receiving the proper education, he was unable to become a priest and instead served primarily in the monastery kitchen cooking and cleaning. Despite Brother Lawrence's humble position, many were attracted to Brother Lawrence and sought his guidance. He is most remembered for his strong sense of contentment and the close relationship he felt he had with God. If Brother Lawrence had a life verse, it probably would have been 1 Corinthians 10:31 which says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Sadly, Scripture is totally lacking from Brother Lawrence's book. For those who have gained much from Brother Lawrence and this book, this is not an attack against him; I am merely reviewing the book. If we want to learn about God, it would be best to use His words and not just our own. Of course we can learn about God through His creation and the changed lives of others, but Scripture is the infallible Word of God. It's perfect. If a book wants us to better understand how to truly practice the presence of God, the use of Scripture would be best. The Practice of the Presence of God might be considered a classic in some circles, but I found it to be a rather dry and repetitive read that lacked the essential.Book Review: One of My five All-Time Favorite Gripping Devotionals
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading Reviews of CBC, Manuel, Michael, Peter and nearby Mariettian, Donald K. I doubted I could pull any better review! But since I have just reviewed three all-time best Devotionals: From Donald Baillie, Mary Tileston, St. Thomas A Kempis, I need to add my 17 "sense" worth.
Since taking an EMORY Class focused on reading Spiritual writing taught by my greatly deepened Seminary Classmate, Glenn Hinson, I feed often in pages of The Practice of the Presence of God.
My wife, Barbara keeps her copy nearby the bed and I keep mine in my favorite "little morning reading room!" The underlining of mine begins on page 34 and skips around a good bit for 4 pages:
"Brother Lawrence confessed his praying was nothing but a sense of the Presence of God, his soul being uaware of everything but God's Love... "The whole substance of religion is faith, hope, love. The practice of these three is the way we become united to God's will..."All things are possible to him who believes; they are less difficult to him who hopes; they are still easier to him who loves; they are even easier to him who practices all three virtues."
Those few plus more strengthened me through seven years as Prison Chaplain. Devotedly, Retired Chaplain Fred W Hood "Barbara377" (Fayetteville, GA United States)
Book Review: More reasons why people are leaving the traditional church
Summary: 1 Stars
This book is a good example of why traditional "old time" religion is falling on hard times. It just doesn't work. For example in the book bro L says, if you want to attain the presence of God, you should, see a "purity" of life. Yeah right, how many people can actually do that. Look at most of the clergy, and you will see that this just doesn't work and doesn't happen. And then we are to control our senses. Yeah again. This kind of legalistic thinking- "things" we must do for God is totally opposite the teachings of Jesus who told us to walk in GRACE. Yet books like this and people today like Dr. Dobson and other keep telling us to try to be holy, dont' drink, have sex, etc etc. And as Dr. Phil would say Brother L, "hows that working out for you. IT ISN"T.
You can practice all you want to attain "Holiness" but it ain't gonna happen no way, nowhere. You can't attain this by practice. You must accept it thru GRACE. So if you want to feel bad when you don't measure up to the sanctity of Brother L, then by all means read this book. But if you want to find the peace of God, read ACIM (A course in Miracles) and accept the REAL Jesus that simply wants us to relax in his presence, not to try to attain it by our deeds.
Book Review: Wonderful Little Book on Making God the Priority!
Summary: 5 Stars
Brother Lawrence (aka Nicholas Herman) was a layman with a Catholic order of monks who experienced the true joy of serving God in the most simple everyday tasks. Thankfully because of his dear friend, Joseph de Beaufort, Practicing the Presence of God came into print.
The booklet consists mainly of Brother Lawrence's reply to several letters written to him soliciting advice on how to handle various issues. Brother Lawrence's consistent and central response to the writer was to make the presence of God the priority in that person's life and to realize God's love for us. Brother Lawrence consistently stated that the way to do this was to remember daily of God's grace for us and His presence in our lives even during the routine and mundane daily activities of life.
The booklet is divided into 3 main areas:
1. Brother Lawrence's response to letters he had received.
2. Spiritual maxims to live by.
3. A short biography of Brother Lawrence's life.
While the booklet is short (around 90 pages or so) and can easily be read in one sitting, there is a ton of wisdom and reminders to keep God Almighty THE priority in our lives.
Read and enjoy. Highly recommended!
Book Review: Light reading with a heavy message.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is easy reading. The words are easy to understand, and the concepts behind the words that Bro. Lawrence is trying to convey are easy to understand, from a strictly cognitive point of view. But, to give these words life by putting them into action is not so easy. Like surgery, anyone can read textbooks on the subject, but putting it to effective use takes guidance, practice and time. Bro. Lawrence knows this, and is very patient and understanding in his words.
Because there is so much meaning packed into any given string of three or four words, I find myself pausing, and re-reading short passages as many as ten times before proceeding. The last three books I've read have been "the practice of the presence of God." I'm now on my forth reading. It takes me about a week to read this one, short, book simply because I find it useful to ruminate over so much of it.
I bought an additional five copies to give to family and friends whom I know will be receptive to the message of this book. Comparing this version of "the practice of the presence of God" with others, it is very similar is length and content.