Here is a guide for all Christians aspiring to union with God, which, according to Brother Lawrence, is the ultimate goal of every soul. The new Image edition of The Practice of the Presence of God is a reissue of the 1977 translation that was the first to appear in decades. It features an in-depth Introduction by John J. Delaney that examines what is known about Lawrence's life, how the book came to be, and its ongoing relevance throughout the ages.
In the words of this humble seventeenth-century lay Carmelite, "we must trust God once and for all and abandon ourselves to Him alone." This difficult task necessarily requires perseverance and continual conversation with God in all activities great and small: "speaking humbly and talking lovingly with Him at all times, at every moment, without rule or system..." In reading these conversations, letters, and spiritual maxims, we learn the key to endless joy.
In short, this little spiritual classic -- in its fresh, contemporary English translation -- renders the simple wisdom of Brother Lawrence accessible to every Christian who yearns for the fullness of life.
A fresh, contemporary English translation of the short little spiritual classic that renders the simple wisdom of Brother Lawrence accessible to every Christian who yearns for the fullness of life.
“All things are possible to him who believes . . . who hopes . . . who loves . . . and most of all who perseveres in the practice of these three virtues.”—Brother Lawrence
This little classic of a humble lay Carmelite is an inspirational guide to all Christians treading the path to spiritual enrichment and joy. The simple wisdom of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection has withstood the test of time by permeating the minds and hearts of men and women of all ages. As Henri Nouwen remarks in the Foreword, “Brother Lawrence’s life shows clearly his great openness for his fellow human beings. He reminds us in a forceful way that we cannot find God in people but that it is God in us who finds God in people.”
In pondering Lawrence’s life of prayer, his companionship with God amid daily tasks, and his spiritual advice, the reader advances in the realization that God is the center and substance of every moment of our lives. It is that realization which produces endless joy and fulfillment. This edition is one of the most modern English translations available, making Brother Lawrence’s message truly accessible to all.
