Book Description
Nicholas Herman (c. 1605-1691) was born in Lorraine, France and served as a cook and shoe repairer at a Carmelite monastery. He was only a lay member of the order, and walked with a limp from injuries incurred as a soldier, yet his private thoughts provide a wellspring of devotional insight and refreshment.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic book.......2007-08-04
This is one of my favorite books on the Christian life. Brother Lawrence provides an amazing example of the moment-by-moment faith which is set forth in the Bible (1 Thes 5:17, Jn 15:5, Phil 4:6,7, Gal 2:20,3:5, Gal 5:16,17, Is 26:3, etc.). It's also different than other books because it is written in the style of letters Lawrence wrote, or conversations which were had with him. I think this makes it even more effective as a teaching tool. At first it may seem like a lot of repetition -- and there is a lot, because of the style of the book -- but in each letter I have found a different jewel of truth to encourage me. Another great classic on moment-by-moment faith is Hannah Whitall Smith's "Christian's Secret of a Happy Life." A great book written with the same perspective on continuous faith, specifically in the context of trials is Living Through Crises.
Somewhat plodding..........2007-07-12
I'm finding it very difficult to keep up with reading this book. I thought reading the day to day life instances of a holy man would be little more engaging.
See other reviews to see if this book is for you. Maybe it just isn't for me.
Good thoughtful listening.......2007-06-05
This belongs in every library. It is a combination of two excellent discussions. The first is a collection of letters that tell of a monk's strategies for remaining in God's presence and thereby keeping himself "abiding" in Christ. The second examines the relationship between ones thought processes, and the resulting issues of life. Both are helpful in self-examination and deep meditation.
Must Read.......2007-06-02
This book is a collection of the letters and writings of a 17th century French monk named Brother Lawrence. Br. Lawrence believed he should offer every part and moment of his life to God as an act of worship. His tips on keeping one's mind in constant communion with God will challenge and even surprise modern people. We're not used to this degree of total committment. As a rule, modern concepts of "total" committment do not include all of life, but simply that part of life cordoned off as our spiritual life. Br. Andrew's insights can challenge even the most devout of us to a greater separation to God.
By the way, don't avoid this book on the grounds that you're not Catholic. I'm 100% evangelical/penticostal and found this book extremely worthwhile.
Wonderful book, look for a better edition.......2007-03-29
This is a great book, with practical application for the spiritual practice of all Christians of any denomination. This edition, however, is heavily abridged, cutting the much larger original down to about 95 pages.
Book Description
As a young priest, Luigi Giussani was troubled by Catholicism’s inability to effectively deal with secularism or laicism. In 1954 he began to develop a vision of faith rooted in experience. His ideas resonated with students and led to the birth of the Gioventù Studentesca (Student Youth) movement. Known today as Communion and Liberation, the movement is flourishing in Italy and around the world, including Canada, the United States, Brazil, Uganda, and Britain. The Journey to Truth Is an Experience is the first English translation of Il Cammino al vero è un’esperienza, Giussani’s early works on the Christian experience, written from 1959-64. It begins with a guide on how to live the Christian life within the Student Youth community, followed by a call to base one’s relationship with Christ on the example set by the apostles and other figures in the New Testament. Giussani concludes by outlining the movement’s mission and the possibility for community, charity, and communion in the Christian life.
Book Description
A former soldier, French mystic Nicholas Herman, aka BROTHER LAWRENCE (1611?-1691), was converted to a powerful love of God at age 18 by a humble observation of nature, and his thoughts, collected in these two uncomplicated works of devotion, remain among the most pure and most powerful adorations of the divine. A lay Carmelite brother, Lawrence spent most of his time in the monastery's kitchens, and his simple, earthy observations on the direct paths to communication with God continue to inspire those seeking a stronger, more potent spirituality today.
Customer Reviews:
what its all about.......2007-09-06
I dont have this exact copy, but just wanted to encourage everyone to get this book.
You can read this thin little thing and put into practice what it says, and let the Lord teach you. Or, you can buy and read a dozen 300 page books.
I have read book after book, for fun, or for seminary, and over and over again, I write in the margins "BL", because so much of what people are saying that has merit is really related to what BL (Brother Lawrence) writes.
This book did more for really bringing me into a relationship with Christ than anything else. I buy like 100 of them at a time to hand out to people who are searching for God's true heart.
Grace, peace and joy!
Excellent book but not this version!.......2007-08-04
I bought at least 10 copies of this for all the guys in my Bible study, thinking this was just a newer version of the one which I had read. However, unfortunately, this translation is much tougher to read than the one which has a white cover, with a picture of a tree and a mountain. (Note this is still a step up from the version you can find for free online, which one of my guys said sounded like it was translated by a college student). Here's the one to get: The Practice of the Presence of God
Nice, inexpensive copy ..........2007-06-29
Since the web site that offers Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God as a free print out (for personal use) was launched in 1999, many hard paper editions have re-surfaced. So, now, in addition to the free, online edition, there are many good, inexpensive book choices. This is one nice option.
It is worthwhile to visit the Practice God's Presence web site for the series titled: Reflections on Practicing God's Presence - 12 little books that may also be printed free for personal use.
DESPITE SOME ARCHAICISMS, PERHAPS THE MOST USEFUL AND STILL FRESH AND ACCESSIBLE TRANSLATION.......2007-06-27
There are presently several editions by many publishing houses available of this originally French text from the later part of the seventeenth century, including an excellent preparation with an introduction by the great American Catholic Dorothy Day. Neverthless, this edition from the always inexpensive but always excellent Dover Publications serves every purpose, including a two page but complete preface to both sections: The Practice and the Presence of God and the Spiritual Maxims.
Dover is noted for its republications of earlier texts long thought lost. Thus we here find republished first the 1895 Revell book of "the Practice and the Presence of God (the best rule for a holy life), being Conversations and Letters of Nicholas Herman of Lorraine (Brother LAwrence)," followed by the Griffith and Rowland offering: "The Spiritual Maxims of Brother Lawrence, together with the Character of the Chronicler of the 'Conversations' and Gathered Thoughts." As mentioned above, each bears the original two page anonymous but excellent prefaces.
Still, I would love to read Dorothy Day's reflections on this holy man and his writings, knowing so well her words on Therese. Perhaps this may be found within THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
Brother LAwrence as you may already know entered the Discalced Carmelites of Paris as a Lay Brother in 1666, a former illiterate teenage foot soldier who after his conversion grew in renown for sanctity and wisdom until his death at age eighty. He often wrote down what he experienced in the spiritual journey, but as often immediately tore his writing up; only a very few pages survived. What has survived was well received and well read, until now we have a rebirth in strong interest in this holy and wise Carmelite.
Read him, meditate his words and may he ever help you on your lonesome journey to Christ and His Peace.
Wonderful Simplicity.......2007-04-11
This book is perhaps the most valuable of all that I own. More than this, the simplicity and humility with which Brother Lawrence writes is startling for those of us who deserve to be shaken off our lofty perches once in a while to walk around in the shoes of human beings.
The message is remarkably simple: the important moments of life are not those where we deem it necessary to talk to God, but those common moments every day in which we seek His will and guidance. In this way, we learn how to be holy through our daily walk with Him. We prosper in having Him with us as a matter of course and habit, just as He wanted in the first place.
Book Description
Is something missing in your Christian life? Do you long to feel God's presence and experience His power? Andrew Murray's scriptural insights make it easy for you to know God. Discover how to have a dynamic, joyful relationship with the Lord as you live every day and every hour in the closest, most intimate fellowship with Him. Not only can you have an effective prayer life, but you can also experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit, a blameless heart, and absolute power over sin. The supernatural life God has called you to is available right now!
Customer Reviews:
The Practice of God's Presence.......2005-08-19
This book takes the best of Murray's works and places them in a sequential reading order that brings home the truths of the Christian faith in a powerful, life changing way. Andrew Murray states Biblical truths in a simple, yet profound way that cut through theological jargon. Truth moves from the head to the heart through his anointed writing. This is a must book for any believer serious about being conformed to the image of Jesus.
How Can Murray Do Better?.......2002-12-24
He can't. He is superb. He distills to bare essences the way to a Holy life in Christ, but his prescriptions are not easy. If you want fluff, Murray is not the man to read. As with his other books, he holds True Believers to the standards Jesus Himself holds them to. As any Christian knows, this is NOT the easy Way.
Better still, Murray asks the same questions we ask, then, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives the answers. His book, "The Holiest of Holies" is the best book on the New Testament book of Hebrews I've ever read and is the basis for the perfect Bible study. Buy anything he has written and you will hold in your hands a fine literary and spiritual work.
LIFE CHANGING!.......2001-08-09
This book has, and still continues to change my life! Every chapter is so FULL of rich wisdom and practical application... The section on humilty is OUTSTANDING! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who craves for a closer, deeper and true relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Praise God for such servants as Andrew Murray! He was truly, a man of God! God Bless!
Book Description
With so much attention given to the presentation aspect of modern worship services, is it possible that many people attending church today forget to focus on the primary purpose of actually being in God's presence? Pastor Steve Gaines and coauthor Dean Merrill (Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire) fear this is the case and call for a return to the core point of corporate worship in When God Comes to Church.
The goal here is to "send people out the door saying not `What a sermon!' or `What great music!' but rather `What a Savior!' . . . the only `Wow!' in a church should be God."
With that in mind, Gaines and Merrill write thoroughly about what attracts God to our worship gatherings--sincere prayer, repentance, unity, etc.--and warn against the worldly hindrances to pure worship such as legalism, liberalism, and fanaticism.
Customer Reviews:
Pleasing God.......2007-07-17
The only way to please God is to surrender all to Him that you might do all things His way.
When God Comes to Church: Experiencing the Fullness of His Presence in Worship.......2007-06-08
This book is great. It details intimately how we are to worship and conduct ourselves daily. Gaines is a wonder writer and God-led Pastor. Buy this book!!!
Book Description
Sergio Scataglini unflinchingly calls each of us to die to ourselves and be resurrected to an entirely new dimension of life in Christ where 98% purity is not enough. He challenges us to walk away from the "acceptable" Christian life, to abandon all forms of idolatry and purify ourselves, that we may move in the power of God and win the world for Him.
Customer Reviews:
This is a must for those seeking holiness !.......2006-05-15
For those seeking the face of God this book will change your life. The fire is a cleansing like no other. Sergio will lead you into the presence of God and if you will die to yourself God will completely transform your life. My life has been forever changed, it is now totally 100% in the hands of God ! May your experience with the Father be as awesome or even stronger than mine. Remember, it's His Holiness we seek. Praise Jesus Christ of Nazareth!
Every Christian should read this book!.......2002-11-06
If you are hungry for a deeper walk with God you MUST read this book. The author describes in the first chapter a manifestation of the Holy Spirit that changed his life. He proceeds to exhort the reader to pursue this "FIRE" in their own lives and gives a wealth of material to help you get there.
The key is that we serve a holy God that requires for us to also be holy, but holiness is not a code of rules. Rather it's a pursuit of being like Him and with Him. As we dwell in His holy presence, we are made in His image.
Holiness is a process that takes work, time, and discipline. If holiness is your desire this book can help you achieve it.
What a blessing!.......2001-09-20
This is BY FAR, one of the best messages given to the body of Christ!
A must for anyone who is tired of of the rollercoaster ride of chrisitanity --temptation..defeat..temptation...defeat
The Lord has given this wonderful servant the revelation to go from temptation to VICTORY....temptation to VICTORY!!
Sergio is a man of true brokenness and pure humility.
Out of his belly flows rivers and rivers!!!
this is not just a book
Trust me, i read A LOT of books!!!!
This is truly lifechanging
Words with POWER and GRACE!
He said He was coming back for a church "without spot or blemish."
Most christians don't belive that could happen.
God gave me the vision ....
And this is the core of the answer!
Prepare to have your eyes unveiled and your lives radically changed!
Be Holy people of God! great-great-great!.......2001-04-24
Thank you Sergio Scataglini for this great book. My life is changed! God is good. All honour and glory to Jesus Christ. Get this book and you will never be the same. May the Fire of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Peter Elias Haahr, Evangelist
amazing.......2000-08-02
amazingly convicting and empowering. wow! prepare to meet more of God and yourself. prepare to die so that you can live in Christ.
Book Description
Why are so many lives aimless and unfulfilled? Because every one of God's children continues to live in shame from the fall, when intimate companionship with the Father was broken and the glory of his presence was lost. Yet, as Jack Hayford explains, believers can regain their intended position as kingdom people. How does that happen? Through worship. In his most comprehensive and significant work to date, Hayford explores the various elements of worship and shows how to attain the liberty that comes from welcoming God's glory. Christians worldwide are heeding the call to worship. With this timely and substantive direction, each one will learn to reign once again in kingdom authority.
Customer Reviews:
Manifest Presence.......2005-08-28
Jack Hayford presents a scholarly view, yet so simply understandable. Class and cause are his gifts.
A book for serious Christians and seekers.......2005-08-24
When the biggest words on a book's jacket spell the author's name, you know he or she is either "up and coming" or a respected veteran voice, the second being the case with Jack Hayford, president of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel --- a prominent Pentecostal denomination --- and author of some 40 books and 600 hymns and worship songs, including "Majesty."
In MANIFEST PRESENCE: Expecting a Visitation of God's Grace Through Worship, Hayford takes on the broad subject of Christian worship, both corporate and individual, his premise being that "(1) God is waiting for a human invitation to manifest Himself, and (2) worship is the means for inviting Him to do so." As we worship, God releases his power in us and through us, though "the Church at large tends to be resistant to worshiping God with the expectation of His visiting with power."
This is a book for serious Christians or seekers. Occasional anecdotes lighten the text, but it is largely substantive teaching material that requires careful reading. I suggest digesting a self-contained chapter a day rather than attempting a straight-through read. Eighteen chapters --- most hooked to a specific biblical text --- are presented under three part-sections: "The Call to Worship," "The Power of Worship," and "The Pursuit of Worship," which covers the spiritual as well as the physical postures of worship. One needs to get past the table of contents and into the text to determine which chapters relate primarily to personal worship and which to church worship, some chapters being addressed to pastors and worship leaders.
One recurring theme is that "worship confronts carnal pride" and moves us beyond what "others might think" of our robust but imperfect singing, our raised hands, our bent knees.
A second topic, covered in each of the three parts, is worship and song. In an early chapter, "Worshiping Him Who Is Worthy," Hayford wishes that more contemporary worship songs focused on Jesus, and he critically distinguishes between worship music and concert music. A particularly delightful "power of worship" chapter, titled "With Voices Loud and High," discusses the role and power of song. "When we worship God in song, the power of darkness --- in every area of our lives and in every circumstance in our world --- is challenged." Then music comes up again in the "pursuit of worship" section, where Hayford notes: "From my observation, there is usually not more than one song a year that is introduced into the life of the church that really has ongoing durability." And yet he urges a congregation "to have a prayerful and studied inflow of new songs." After all, Scripture repeats "Sing unto the Lord a new song" eight times.
Another interesting chapter discusses the spiritual power of two words that invite God's rule in our lives: grace and amen. "Amen is no ordinary word to be bandied about...Neither does it deserve to be intoned passively at the conclusion of prayers," Hayford says. " 'Amen' is the establishing of the living Word of God in the arena of human enterprise and experience for the glory of Jesus Christ."
--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence
Customer Reviews:
This is what it is all about.......2007-02-11
The works of Derek Prince are wonder. He was a great scholar and truly cared about his audience.
Book Description
An unparalleled and unique opportunity to hear Dr. Regardie's own voice providing instructions on magical methods and the Golden Dawn on two compact disks. The first CD contains: The Practice of the Presence of God; The Holy Guardian Angel; The Bornless Ritual. The second CD contains: The Rose Cross Ritual.
Customer Reviews:
The Zen of Christian mysticism.......2006-09-11
The title "The Practice of the Presence of God" sums up the essence of this book. Brother Lawrence is a humble monk who discovers that, even in ordinary, secular, mundane activities (washing dishes, gardening, etc.), God is present. He even goes so far to say that prayer and meditation bring him no closer to the universal spirit than any other activity; through mindfulness, he is aware of God in everything he does. (Think Nirvana - extinguishing the flame of desire.) Proselytizing, evangelizing, and the usual arrogances that accompany many self-indulgent "believers" are absent. Br. Lawrence humbly strives to work for others and think only of God. That is all. He even cautions a recipient of one of his letters against sharing the note. (One feels almost unjust even reading his intimate spiritual thoughts.) But, fortunately for us, as this work is now ubiquitous, we may as well take note of his honorable life. He belongs in a small group of similar mystics (Mother Teresa of Avila, St. Augustine, Swami Vivekananda, Gandhi, Siddhartha, and Ramakrishna), who showed that through humility, love, and faith in the spirit, positive change can be made. This is an inspring book for people of all faiths.
A rare gem (spirituality).......2006-05-01
A rare gem (spirituality)
As a "follower of Christ" (Christian) who considers himself an Evangelical Protestant, this little devotional book will hold a special place in my library and my heart. For all Christian believers, the richness and power of Brother Lawrence's life's witness and words are a fountain of Truth, a treasure that is as elegant (spiritually) as it is simple. For the non-believers, I am afraid that reading this booklet (a spiritual treasure in disguise) will just confirm St. Paul the Apostles's words that "the message of the cross is ... foolishness to the Gentiles" (1 Corinthians. 1:18, 23 and 2:14).
The only way to do justice to this booklet is to quote from it and let you get a taste of it ...
This is a unique biography because it is not compiled by the Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (birth name Nicholas Herman but known by his monastic name) but by the ones around his life in 17th century France. Thus one learns very little about the beginnings of his life but very much about his godly lifestyle in the last 30 years of life of bliss (presence of God in his heart) and suffering (3 physical and debilitating ailments).
We learn about this Spirit-filled vessel in God's vineyard - Brother Lawrence, by reading the Eulogy of the abbot of Lawrence's Christian community, 4 short notes of his conversations with his spiritual father - Abb? de Beaufort, 16 very short letters of spiritual advice and encouragement Brother Lawrence wrote to friends and seekers, a manuscript found at his death called "Spiritual Maxims" and a memoir of a leader in the church in France.
The followings are a selection of the many highlights and underlined phrases and sentences for this book:
"Busy yourself with keeping your mind in the presence of the Lord."
"My most normal habit is to simply keep my attention on God, and to be generally and lovingly aware of Him."
"I occupy myself solely with keeping my attention on God and by being generally and lovingly aware of Him."
"We have an infinitely good God who knows what we need."
"Console yourself with the One who keeps you fastened to the cross."
"We should love our friends, but without prejudicing the love of God which must be first."
"Think often about Him; worship Him without ceasing. Life and die with Him. This is the beautiful call in the life of a Christian."
"...we shuld love one another through our words of counsel and even more through our good examples."
"...our only business in this life is to please God. ... my little progress in the path of perfection."
"I applied myself to practicing the presence of God ... Doing this gave me such a high esteem for God that faith alone was capable of satisfying me."
"A devout woman told me that the spiritual life is a life of grace that begins with service fear, increases through the hope of eternal life, and is consumated by pure love."
MY PRAYER: May we all experience God's love, which truly can consume all other passions, and be filled with His grace which will empower us to truly love our neighbors (Christian and non-Christian) as ourselves. This is my life goal !
This little book changed my life forever!.......2004-05-26
I realized how lacking in trust my Christian faith was until I read this book and began truly practicing the presence of God. The remedy for every anxiety is contained in the Bible and this book. As an anxious person by nature, I was calmed, comforted, and encouraged by this book. I own a copy and refer to it weekly for strength, insight, and reminders that God loves us deeply and wishes to be united with us at all times, in all the tasks we are obligated to fulfill. Nothing is too small for the Lord and our time is made holy when it is spent communing with Him and His people.
Challanging Simplicity.......2000-10-28
The challange of Br. Lawrence's spirituality is its simplicity. The reader is presented with a common sense approach to the spiritual life the carries a great challange. The idea of carrying on an on going conversation with God wherever we find ourselves is the heart of this spirituality. The challange comes in when we attempt this in a world filled with distractions. This particular translation gives the reader more insight into the living out of "the Practice of the Presence of God." I find it a good source for those seeking a way to draw clser to God.
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The Imitation of Christ (Vintage Spiritual Classics)
Practicing His Presence (The Library of Spiritual Classics, Volume 1)
Dark Night of the Soul
The Imitation Of Christ (Hendrickson Christian Classics)
Interior Castle
