The Practice Of The Presence Of God, by Brother Lawrence (Book Review)

 

“Our satisfaction doesn’t depend as much on changing our activities as it does on doing them for God rather than ourselves.”

Brother Lawrence was a simple cook who found the greatest secret of living in the kingdom of God here on earth. It is simply “practicing the presence of God” on a day to day basis. We must merely open our hearts to receive His presence. The time Brother Lawrence spent in communion with the Lord should be the same, whether he was making food in the kitchen or in prayer on his knees. This unmatched classic gives nothing less than incredible instructions to knowing God in all His majesty and feeling His loving presence throughout each simple day.

“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.”

I was given this book at my youth group this Christmas, and was so pleasantly surprised as to how impactful this under a hundred paged book was.

It’s a book written in four different parts, showcasing different conversations and letters Brother Lawrence had with people, as well as some spiritual maxims on how to adore God and the means of acquiring His presence, and the life and legacy of Brother Lawrence, recorded by Joseph Beaufort, his friend. 

The thing I loved most about this book was how Brother Lawrence wasn’t some famous person of the world. In fact, he was quite the opposite—a simple cook who worked at a monastery, serving the Lord. I didn’t even know who he was, or about this book until just recently. That just shows that Brother Lawrence wasn’t trying to get fame or a title, he wasn’t trying to be known by the world, only seek favor with God. He didn’t have any idea that his word would be put down on paper one day, just that he was going out and making disciples. 

“Pure love of him is all that keeps me going.”

Another thing was that this book really makes you think. I read normally about chapter or less a day as like a devotional for my morning time, and I only ever had to read that little bit because I would continually chew on those little points all day. The amount of quotes I wrote down from this book was incredible, and I continue to read them every now and then and am boggled. It really makes you think about how everything we do is glorifying someone—even small things, like working in a kitchen. The fact that God is always there with you, watching you and listening to you, it’s astounding. This book is definitely one you could reread and get more out of each time. 

“This King, who is full of goodness and mercy, doesn’t punish me. Rather, He embrace me lovingly, and invites me to eat at His table.”

This is a definite recommendation to anyone from myself. I’d recommend it again and again to be honest. It’s an amazing book for any season you are in. CLICK HERE to get it for yourself!

“I imagine I am a piece of stone waiting for a sculpture, when I give myself to God this way He begins to sculpt my soul into the beautiful image of his beloved Son.”

Tally ho,

Finlee