The Practice of the Presence of God
by Brother Lawrence
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Book Reviews of The Practice of the Presence of God
Book Review: Christian Counselor Prescribes Brother Lawrence's Book for Patients.
Summary: 5 Stars
As a Christian counselor here in Rockford, IL, I ask my patients to read "The Practice of the Presence of God" in between sessions to help them experience God's presence more consistently, especially in stressful situations, as a helpful adjunct to my overall counseling approach described at ScottLownsdale.com. As Brother Lawrence teaches us, it takes practice for this new habit to develop! But once it does, anger, depression, and anxiety are gradually replaced by the opposite emotions of love, joy, and peace (the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Gal 5:22), as we learn to abide in Christ as desperately and as continuously as branches cling to the Vine. As worship leader at my church, I recently gave away over 30 copies of this book to the congregation I lead, and shared with them my New Year's resolution for 2010 to try to practice God's presence as continuously as I can, with no time-outs, with God's help and forgiveness when I fail. There's no better way to live! By the way, this updated, compact version of Brother Lawrence by Whitaker House, at only 95 pages, is more readable than the 112-page Spire version.Book Review: Learn the secret power of humility
Summary: 5 Stars
A rare gem is uncovered in the personal letters of Brother Lawrence. In centuries past, many humble and reverent men walked in a way of power that was at once noticed yet never broadcast. Brother Lawrence is one of these men. His written responses to questions reveal his simple secret to living a radiant life . . . practicing the presence of God.
Aside from the suffering he always supposed would come (yet never did) the modern-day mystic finds Truth that has shaped the lives of the most powerful men history has recorded. This same Truth achieves breathtaking freedom in the individuals who dare to respond to it.
Simple and timeless is the message. Powerful and life-changing is the effect. This is one book that needs to be upon the night stands of every person seeking total fulfillment.
(These writings have been published in many forms. I recommend the publication from Seed Sowers which includes the diary of Frank Laubach as he set out on an adventure following the writings of Brother Lawrence.)
Ingrid Williams (CURIOUSHAT@aol.comBook Review: Fantastic book
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of my favorite books on the Christian life. Brother Lawrence provides an amazing example of the moment-by-moment faith which is set forth in the Bible (1 Thes 5:17, Jn 15:5, Phil 4:6,7, Gal 2:20,3:5, Gal 5:16,17, Is 26:3, etc.). It's also different than other books because it is written in the style of letters Lawrence wrote, or conversations which were had with him. I think this makes it even more effective as a teaching tool. At first it may seem like a lot of repetition -- and there is a lot, because of the style of the book -- but in each letter I have found a different jewel of truth to encourage me. Another great classic on moment-by-moment faith is Hannah Whitall Smith's "Christian's Secret of a Happy Life." A great book written with the same perspective on continuous faith, specifically in the context of trials is Living Through Crises.
Book Review: He is here, now.
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic short devotional book. (Note: When I say "devotional" here, I don't mean in the modern sense of a book of short meditations intended to be read day by day. This book is mostly a collection of letters.)
Brother Lawrence was a seventeenth century Catholic monk in France. This book chronicles his life of prayer and devotion to God in the middle of his simple everyday tasks. Throughout his "menial" tasks working in the kitchen, Lawrence devoted himself to prayer and awareness of God's continual presence and power in his life.
Lawrence's simple faith in God's immanence even in our most common, everyday life is quietly inspiring. Somewhat ironically, one of the letters included in this collection includes a request not to share it with anyone else . . . obviously that didn't quite work out.
This is a very short book in plain language. So even if you're not usually much of a reader, you may very well enjoy it.
Book Review: The true source of Hope found
Summary: 4 Stars
In a day of self-help and healing services, Brother Lawrence's discourses offer the reader much contentment and rest in trusting the Lord. Unlike many contemporary preachers and psuedo-religious televangelists, this servant exhorts the reader to abstain from seeking physical healing and to strive for spiritual enlightenment. He asks his friend to cast down his rituals and rites and instructs him to find the Lord in quiet and somber prayer and service.
The author writes to his friend the only hope and cause for joy; that is, a life of full and true committment to the Lord Jesus Christ. He doesn't look for wealth, nor does he strive for great fame. He contents himself as a potato peeler, seeking only to please the Lord with a meek life of service and worship.
Christians and non-Christians alike should read the compilation of this man's work. The Practice of the Presence of God will lead all who read it to a closer walk with the one and true living God