|
As worship leader at my church, I recently gave away over 30 copies of this book to the congregation I lead, and shared with them my New Year's resolution for 2010 to try to practice God's presence as continuously as I can, with no time-outs, with God's help and forgiveness when I fail. As a Christian counselor here in Rockford, IL, I ask my patients to read "The Practice of the Presence of God" in between sessions to help them experience God's presence more consistently, especially in stressful situations, as a helpful adjunct to my overall counseling approach described at ScottLownsdale.com. By the way, this updated, compact version of Brother Lawrence by Whitaker House, at only 95 pages, is more readable than the 112-page Spire version. There's no better way to live. As Brother Lawrence teaches us, it takes practice for this new habit to develop. But once it does, anger, depression, and anxiety are gradually replaced by the opposite emotions of love, joy, and peace (the fruit of the Holy Spirit in Gal 5:22), as we learn to abide in Christ as desperately and as continuously as branches cling to the Vine.
This book will help you understand these key elements. It is important to abide in His love and in His presence. "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence is utterly unique and a total must own for every Christian. For those who are saved and in Christ through grace by faith in Him, then it is important to pray and to read His Word.
Despite Brother Lawrence's humble position, many were attracted to Brother Lawrence and sought his guidance. If Brother Lawrence had a life verse, it probably would have been 1 Corinthians 10:31 which says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Sadly, the Scripture is lacking from Brother Lawrence. The Practice of the Presence of God is a collection of spiritual insights into the heart of God as revealed through Brother Lawrence's letters, conversations, and his life itself. He is most remembered for his strong sense of contentment and the close relationship he felt he had with God. The Practice of the Presence of God might be considered a classic, but I think it is a boring and repetitive read without a whole lot of substance. Brother Lawrence was a lay brother in a Carmelite monastery in France during the 1600s. As a result of not receiving the proper education, he was unable to become a priest and instead served primarily in the monastery kitchen cooking and cleaning.
Brother Lawrence shows what can be attained when we learn to "pray without ceasing." The message is simple, direct, and hopeful. Before I read this book I gave it to my husband as a gift, and he read it over and over again. Then I read it and realized why.
It is a very short read and well worth the price. Brother Lawrence knew the true meaning of loving God and he tells us how to aquire that relationship too by very simple means. I highly recommend this book to all.
|
