Kirjahaku

This classic of devotional literature was written sometime in the late seventeenth century. Its author, Brother Lawrence, was born Nicholas Herman, and served as a soldier before becoming a monk in his middle years, some time after receiving a severe wound that left him in lifelong chronic pain. Following a series of spiritual trials, Brother Lawrence discovered a system that allowed him to be conscious of the presence of God on a continual basis, throughout all of his daily life. In this book, (collated by Joseph de Beaufort, counsel to the Archbishop of Paris), this simple, holy man explains the means and practices by which anyone may learn to walk continually in the presence of the Almighty.

Brother Lawrence was born Nicolas Herman in H rim nil, near Lun ville in the region of Lorraine, located in modern day eastern France. Having felt he had received a revelation of the providence and power of God at the age of 18, within six years he joined the Discalced Carmelite Priory in Paris. In this intervening period he fought in the Thirty Years' War and later served as a valet. Nicolas entered the priory in Paris as a lay brother, not having the education necessary to become a cleric, and took the religious name, "Lawrence of the Resurrection". He spent almost all of the rest of his life within the walls of the priory, working in the kitchen for most of his life and as a repairer of sandals in his later years. Despite his lowly position in life and the priory, his character attracted many to him. He had a reputation for experiencing profound peace and visitors came to seek spiritual guidance from him. The wisdom he passed on to them, in conversations and in letters, would later become the basis for the book, The Practice of the Presence of God. Father Joseph de Beaufort, later vicar general to the Archbishop of Paris, compiled this work after Brother Lawrence died. It became popular among Catholics and Protestants alike, with John Wesley and A. W. Tozer recommending it to others. As a young man, Herman's poverty forced him into joining the army, which guaranteed him meals and a small stipend. During this period, Herman claimed an experience that set him on a unique spiritual journey. He considered it a supernatural clarity into a common sight, more so than as a supernatural vision. During the winter, Herman looked at a barren tree, stripped of leaves and fruit, and realized it awaited the sure hope of a springtime revival and summer abundance. Gazing at the tree, Herman grasped deeply the extravagance of God's grace and the unfailing sovereignty of divine providence. Like the tree, he felt seemingly dead, but held hope that God had life waiting for him, and the turn of seasons would bring fullness. At that moment, he said, that leafless tree "first flashed in upon my soul the fact of God," and a love for God that never ceased. Shortly after, an injury forced his retirement from the army, and after a stint as a footman, he sought a place where he could suffer for his failures. He thus entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Paris as Brother Lawrence. This is an out-of-print manuscript. All pages are intact and it has been carefully reviewed.

There is not in the world a way of life more sweet, nor more delightful than continual converse with God. Those only who practise it, and savour it, can understand it.It was as a lay monk in a monastery kitchen that Brother Lawrence discovered the delight of a continual awareness of God's presence. Despite his modest position, Brother Lawrence's deep joy in his relationship with God led him to counsel numerous people in society, and after his death his wisdom was distilled into the volume THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD. An enduring spiritual classic, it remains an inspiring invitation to all who long for more of God's presence in their lives.This new edition includes an introduction by the translator that sets Brother Lawrence in the context of his time, and a foreword by Jennifer Rees Larcombe.

"Believe me, count as lost each day you have not used in loving God." — Brother Lawrence This simply written little book about prayer and Christian life conveys a humble man's thoughts on the importance of experiencing God's love. A seventeenth-century French Carmelite, Brother Lawrence spent much of his time in the kitchen of a Paris monastery. Of this experience, he said: "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." A collection of Lawrence's messages given to those who lived around him, this book contains The Practice of the Presence of God and The Spiritual Maxims. Both have much to say to modern readers about living a spiritual life in a busy world. Features a foreword by Matthew Fox, author of Sheer Joy.

In a busy world of things to do and places to be, a "quiet time" seems like just one more activity to add to our already over-booked agendas. In this 17th century spiritual classic, featuring the letters and conversations of Brother Lawrence, we're informed that God doesn't just exist in the areas of our life that we deem religious. He's closer than our breath, encapsulates our being, and desires to be part of our everyday activities. For Lawrence, "set times of prayer were no different than other times, and his work didn't divert him from God". His practical simplicity brings a depth of wisdom that all can apply to their lives. This beautiful paperback of The Practice of the Presence of God retains its original translation, while featuring 21 new contemporary woodcuts. All proceeds from the sale of this book are donated to charity.

Experience the Abundant Life of Jesus In the Gospel of John, Jesus instructs His disciples to abide in Him, declaring that apart from Him we can do nothing. But staying connected to the Spirit of Jesus throughout the busyness of daily life is difficult. How do we actually put this into practice every day? My Practice of the Presence of God is a collection of conversations and letters from Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, to fellow Christians on how to constantly experience the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence had one aim, whether he was washing dishes or kneeling for prayer-to personally connect with God in everything he did.In this guided devotional journal edition of the full classic work, we examine how to practice the Presence of God. Brother Lawrence's original words, broken out and paired with added reflections, actions, and prayers, will help you cultivate habits to encounter Jesus in simple but profound ways each day.Through these honest and straightforward conversations and reflections, you'll be invited to practice the Presence of God by: Considering your own past and present encounters with GodDiscerning things that distract you from His presencePondering ways to connect with Him more deeplyPursuing tangible actions that help you experience God Talking to God as if He were sitting directly in front of youCelebrating the people and experiences that have drawn you to HimAs we learn to abide in the presence of God, we become "like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither..." (Psalm 1:3). As we cultivate an inward connection with the Spirit, we experience the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness that is only available in Him. So, come, let us learn to practice the Presence of God

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."

Ever wonder what your life would look like if you prayed constantly? Have you ever wished that your prayer life was as constant and ongoing as a daily conversation with a friend? Ever wish that the pieces of your life fit all together, and there was no separation between your daily routine and your spiritual walk?How would your life be different if you lived like you believed God would never leave you... and that His Spirit is always with you?Never Alone: Practicing the Presence of God, shows us how to have that daily kind of journey with our heavenly Father. In this book, Tim Green updates the wisdom of the devotional classic by Brother Lawrence for today's youth and young adults.In this new version, we learn how Brother Lawrence was able to recognize God in every detail of his life, and how his attitude and the whole way he approached life changed. We see how he began to live his life as a daily never ending conversation with God - and how it transformed him and those around him. In this updated version of the classic book, Tim Green brings to today's teenager and college student the humility and desire for communion with God that has been passed down through the centuries. Youth and young adults alike will find that as they practice God's presence, they too can pray mightily, and know the joy of a lifelong conversation with the Father.

Brother Lawrence's teachings on Christianity and the principles of keeping one's faith firm are published here in full, with an exceptional translation by Hannah Whitall Smith. Brother Lawrence was a French monk who lived during the 17th century, spending much of his life in monastic seclusion. Lawrence spent years contemplating the nature of the divine and how best to adhere to the Christian religion to which he devoted his lifetime. His writings are presented in two parts - the conversations and the letters. The authoritative and accurate translation of the text in this edition is by Hannah Whitall Smith, a scholar of Christianity who has translated numerous texts regarding matters of the faith.

Brother Lawrence's teachings on Christianity and the principles of keeping one's faith firm are published here in full, with an exceptional translation by Hannah Whitall Smith. Brother Lawrence was a French monk who lived during the 17th century, spending much of his life in monastic seclusion. Lawrence spent years contemplating the nature of the divine and how best to adhere to the Christian religion to which he devoted his lifetime. His writings are presented in two parts - the conversations and the letters. The authoritative and accurate translation of the text in this edition is by Hannah Whitall Smith, a scholar of Christianity who has translated numerous texts regarding matters of the faith.