Brother Lawrence

Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk and former soldier, decided that he needed to concentrate on a simple idea: loving God in whatever he did. The Practice of the Presence of God is a record of the conversations and letters exchanged between Brother Lawrence and people in his community, who came to him for advice once they noticed his passionate living for God. This collection of his thoughts and observationscontinue to inspire those seeking a stronger, more potent spirituality today. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen is considered a classic self-help book. It reveals how our thoughts determine reality, as well as how our uderlying beliefs shape our character, our health, our appearance, our circumstances, and our destinies. Noble thoughts make a noble person, but lowly thoughts make a miserable person. Allen provides examples to illustrate how the "mind is the master weaver, both of the inner garment of character and the outer garment of circumstance," so that people may begin to weave in enlightenment and happiness.

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.

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.

In this small book of letters and conversations, compiled after his death, Brother Lawrence simply and beautifully explains how to continually walk with God - not from the head but from the heart. Brother Lawrence expresses a way of life available to anyone who yearns to know God's peace and His presence. And anyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can practice it-anywhere, anytime. A direct approach to living in God's presence that is as practical today as it was three hundred years ago.

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.

First published in 1692, a year after Brother Lawrence’s death, this beautifully written and intensely personal little book has been cherished for generations as a rich source of inspiration and guidance for all who seek true and lasting spiritual fulfilment. Nicholas Herman of Lorraine, better known as Brother Lawrence, was born in France in 1611 and came from humble origins. First serving as a soldier, then as a footman, he entered the Carmelite Order in Paris as a lay brother at the age of 55, where he became a cook and immersed himself in the devotional life. For him there was no distinction between ‘the time of business’ and ‘the time of prayer’. He died in 1691 at 80 years of age, honoured by all who knew him.

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.

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.