Original Author: Brother Lawrence (of the Resurrection) (1611 – 1691)
Original Date Written: Late 17th century CE (c. 1670 – 1691)
First Printed: 1692 (Paris)
Editor: Joseph de Beauford (compiled the original letters and conversations)
Description
Summary
The Practice of the Presence of God is a short but deeply influential Christian devotional text that records the reflections and letters of Brother Lawrence, a humble Carmelite friar who discovered holiness in everyday life. Rather than focusing on ritual or doctrine, he taught that spiritual peace arises from constant awareness of God’s presence, even in the simplest tasks.
The book is composed of letters and conversations collected after his death, revealing how Brother Lawrence found joy and serenity while performing ordinary duties like cooking or cleaning. His message is that divine communion is not reserved for monks or mystics—it is available to anyone who turns their heart toward God in each moment.
For readers unfamiliar with Christian mysticism, this text offers a gentle, practical approach to spirituality. It encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and love expressed through daily work. Its tone is warm and conversational, making it one of the most accessible classics of contemplative Christian literature.
Across centuries, The Practice of the Presence of God has inspired seekers of all faiths to find sacred meaning in the ordinary rhythm of life.
Where to Find This Work
The Practice of the Presence of God
Credit: Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (author); Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreading Team (digital production)
Summary: This Project Gutenberg edition presents The Practice of the Presence of God, a 17th‑century spiritual classic attributed to Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. The text compiles his teachings posthumously, drawn from letters and recorded conversations that describe his simple, profound method of cultivating continual awareness of God in everyday life. The edition highlights how Brother Lawrence viewed even the humblest tasks as acts of devotion, a theme noted directly in the page content (“humble tasks—even picking up a straw—can become acts…”).
Publication Date: c. 1690 (original letters and conversations); 2004 (Gutenberg release)
Book Information:
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