The Practice of the Presence of God and As a Man Thinketh: Library Edition

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Summary: An outstanding edition. . .
Review: . . .of a great spiritual work.

Every Christian, whether Protestant or Catholic should read and inwardly digest this powerful book.

Brother Lawrence was the sort of Christian who lived his life in quiet obedience to his God, and spent every moment he could in God's presence -- whether in chapel worship, working in the kitchen, on business trips for his monastary, etc.

His maxims for living a profound Christian life are not difficult to grasp -- they just take a lifetime to put into practice.

This new translation, edited by the late Baptist scholar Hal Helms, is a valuable addition to the "Paraclete Press" line of Christian classics.

May this book bless you, as it has blessed me.

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Summary: Learn the secret power of humility
Review: 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 ([e-mail]

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Summary: The Constant Presence of God
Review: Brother Lawrence can be of enormous help to those of us seeking to grow closer to Christ. For one, there is no complicated methodology behind practicing the presence of God.

As Brother Lawrence says, "Lift up your heart to Him ... the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we are aware of."

And so, the practice of the presence of God is to simply think of him often. As Brother Lawrence says, your friend (God) is always with you. Why would you cut off conversation with God when you would not be so rude to another person.

I enjoyed this book. It takes maybe one hour to read, but I have a feeling it will have a lasting impact on my life.

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Summary: A Powerful Humbling Experience
Review: I just can't believe it. Of all the thousands of books I have read, this small book has caught my heart. Sure I could have read it in an hour but the wisdom that flows from this edition just simply cooled the hurry of my life.

It is a book that I will place next to my Bible and refer to it every time I sensed that God is far away. Each section of the book stands on its own and yet such a lovely intricate meshing makes the reading more of an experience that a reading exercise.

The one section that caught my spirit reads: "The Time of business, said he, does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clutter of my kitchen (he was a cook) while several persons are calling at the same time for different things, I possess God in as great a tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament".

In another section he speaks of the opportunities to be in HIS prsence when we are stricken with an ailment.

Such statements are throughout the book which will cause one to stop and meditate. I will be buying copies to give to those in my circle that hunger for a closer walk and relationship with God over anything and anyone in their lives.

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Summary: The true source of Hope found
Review: 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

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Summary: Not sure if you have the Holy Spirit?
Review: My pastor, who is mentoring me, recommended this book, when all our meetings were not helping me grow nor helping me throw off sinful habits.

In a world full of "doing", "performing", "keeping up with the Joneses", and an innumerable other distractions and pressures, Brother Lawrence was a man gifted by God to have the vision of true fellowship with God. He tells us simply that being a Christian means to have a constant love relationship with God, only made possible through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. He reminds us not be guilty or ashamed (a very difficult thing to know if you're not told explicitly, and something only known through faith).

The message of the churches (at least in the Western world) has been so diluted by the culture of "results" and "knowledge". We are often given guilt trips by church leader because we aren't "up to par" or because we don't buy into the church's vision. After attending a church for many years, we're still spiritually dry, and at the same time expected to serve more and more? Is that the abundant life?
Instead, we are supposed to be taught how to have fellowship with God! From that, everything else flows. There are no shortcuts!

Brother Lawrence exhorts us to have such a dear love for God that we are completely at rest with Him. It does takes time and discipline to develop the intimacy, but with any other love relationship (w/spouse, etc.), after a little effort and focus, the love between the two of you carries the relationship quite automatically.

I can truly see how the Holy Spirit is changing me because of this book, by no effort on my part to change myself. All I have to do is to be in love with Jesus. His power in me is allowing me to be more disciplined in many areas of life, and loosening my attachment to worldly things. Plus, I have a new appreciation for Jesus' gift in taking my punishment upon Himself. How could He love such wretched people as us? That's the greatness of His love.

The vast majority of Christian books out there present such profound truths, and we're so in awe of the new things we've "learned". Yet they usually don't draw us closer to God, because they're filled with mechanical methods. "Practice the Presence" is a great book, not because of the wisdom of the author, but because it points us directly to God Himself.

Back to my original question: Do you have the Spirit?
You know you have the Holy Spirit if you have His presence, because they are one in the same. Don't miss out on God's gifts!

Some Biblical references:
- Lk 10:38-42 (note that Martha was not chastised for her service, but for being worried and upset)
- Acts 1:4-5 (Jesus told the disciples not to do anything until the Spirit came upon them)
- Gal 3:3 (don't use human effort)
- Lk 15:1-2 (Jesus welcomes us unconditionally. Do you think He told the fornicators to stop thinking lustful thoughts before He would eat with them? Seems rather that He welcomed them first, even with their evil thoughts, and let His loving presence change them)
- 1 Cor 13:1-3 (love is the foundation)
- John 15:5 (speaks for itself)

Rating:
Summary: My All Time Favorite Book Besides the Bible
Review: Over 300 years have passed since this book was written, but it is still changing lives and drawing people to God today. If all of us could master what Brother Lawrence mastered -- a constant never-ending awareness and communication with God -- we would go to sleep each night with peaceful, content hearts. Our sins would be dealt with immediately without remaining guilt or regret and our future would hold no fears. This is an important book of instruction and valuable encouragement to read, to live and to pass on. (I gave this book to a friend of mine who had absolutely no desire to read, as she said, "some book written by a monk 300 years ago who had no idea what it is like to live in the real world, much less hers." She read it nonetheless -- two times in two weeks, in fact -- and then ran out and bought copies for friends. Apparently this 300 year old monk knew something powerful!)