Description
Brother Lawrence was a man of humble beginnings who discovered the greatest secret of living in the kingdom of God here on earth. It is the art of “practicing the presence of God in one single act that does not end.” He often stated that it is God who paints Himself in the depths of our soul. We must merely open our hearts to receive Him and His loving presence.
As a humble cook, Brother Lawrence learned an important lesson through each daily chore: The time he spent in communion with the Lord should be the same, whether he was bustling around in the kitchen–with several people asking questions at the same time–or on his knees in prayer. He learned to cultivate the deep presence of God so thoroughly in his own heart that he was able to joyfully exclaim, “I am doing now what I will do for all eternity. I am blessing God, praising Him, adoring Him, and loving Him with all my heart.”
For nearly three hundred years this unparalleled classic has given both blessing and instruction to those who can be content with nothing less than knowing God in all His majesty and feeling His loving presence throughout each simple day.
eveylq –
This remains one of my “must read” list of recommended books for all believers. Here was Brother Lawrence – a priest born in the 1600s. How could he walk in such intimacy with the Lord? He believes that the highest level that a believer can attain and the most important thing every Christian should seek to do is to walk in the presence of God every single moment – be it when we are talking, or working, or when we are busy with secular stuff. He doesn’t believe we should abandon talking with God in order to handle our daily affairs. He feels that as long as we continue to practice communion with God on a daily basis, we would get better and better at doing it. What is his motivation then? It is the deep love he has for the Savior and the desire to be with Him every single moment. And the benefits of doing that are out of the world. The Holy Spirit is at work in him every single moment – to touch lives and to minister to people. But most importantly, he has begun to do on earth, what he would be doing forever in heaven – staying in His presence.
Ross Paterson –
“Soldier, then kitchen worker and cobbler. Brother Lawrence was no ivory tower saint. His writing teaches us how you can work at ordinary tasks and yet at the same time experience the presence of the Lord. He is passionate about the Lord and honest in his writing. For those who experience the Lord in worship times but much less in their day today life, this book is essential reading!”
Ross Paterson
International Director
Antioch Missions
Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong –
“I remember the first I read this classic, it shifted my paradigms on communion with God. I have since read this book over and over again. The Practice of the Presence of God is a much-needed call to return to the lost art of solitude, meditation and constant communion with God. Whether you live in a state of busyness or are surrounded by daily mundane chores, this classic highlights that living in a place of complete abandonment to God is not a mere wish but a possible reality for every child of God. And in your least expected moments, God can be found if you would only attune your spiritual senses to His Presence and poise your soul towards Him. I could not recommend this classic enough to anyone who seeks a life out of the ordinary, a life that truly matters.”
Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong
Senior Pastor
Cornerstone Community Church, Singapore