“The Practice of the Presence of God” is a spiritual classic that compiles the teachings of Brother Lawrence (born Nicholas Herman), a 17th-century Carmelite monk. The book is a compilation of Brother Lawrence’s letters, conversations, and spiritual maxims, assembled by Father Joseph de Beaufort, a contemporary and friend of Brother Lawrence.
The central theme of the book is Brother Lawrence’s idea of “practicing the presence of God.” He teaches that it’s possible to cultivate a constant awareness and communion with God in every moment of one’s life, no matter how mundane or routine the moment may seem. This means that one can find God not just in prayer or meditation, but also in ordinary tasks like cooking, cleaning, or other chores — activities that filled Brother Lawrence’s own days as a monastery kitchen worker.
Brother Lawrence asserts that the most effective way to achieve an unceasing sense of God’s presence is to form the habit of continually conversing with God throughout each day. This conversation is not necessarily one of words, but a simple turning of the mind and heart towards God.
He emphasized that this practice should be performed with joy, humility, and love, rather than through a sense of obligation or out of fear or respect for God’s power. He found that, over time, maintaining this practice led to a deep sense of peace and fulfillment, and a transformative awareness of God’s reality and presence.
“The Practice of the Presence of God” has been influential in many Christian traditions, especially among those seeking a deeper, more personal relationship with God. It encourages a spirituality that is accessible to anyone, at any time, in any place. Despite its age, the book’s message still resonates with many people today, and it continues to be widely read and studied.
ABOUT
Brother Lawrence (c. 1614 – 12 February 1691) was a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in Paris, known for the simplicity and practicality of his approach to the spiritual life.
Born as Nicholas Herman in Lorraine, France, he had a humble beginning, with little formal education. He spent much of his youth in the military and then as a footman. A transformative experience viewing a barren tree in winter, yet knowing it would soon bloom, brought him a profound sense of the providence and power of God, which led him to commit his life to a spiritual path.
He entered the Discalced Carmelite Priory in Paris as a lay brother, not a priest, taking on the name Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. There, he spent most of his time in the monastery kitchen, cooking and cleaning. He also repaired sandals, which was considered the lowest of jobs. Despite the humble and repetitive nature of his work, he found a way to turn those menial tasks into moments of joy and communion with God, through what he called “the practice of the presence of God.”
His belief was that it was possible to maintain a sense of God’s presence, even in the midst of the busiest, most mundane activities. He proposed that by acknowledging God’s presence in every task and by offering up each task to God, even the most menial of tasks could become acts of praise and communion with the Divine.
Brother Lawrence’s wisdom was collected in a book, “The Practice of the Presence of God,” which was compiled after his death from his letters and conversations he had with other members of his community. This book has become a classic of Christian mysticism and spiritual practice, inspiring many with its message of finding God in the everyday tasks and challenges of life. Brother Lawrence died in 1691.