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Marshall Davis
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The Practice of the Presence of God In Modern English Kindle Edition

by Brother Lawrence (Author), Marshall Davis (Preface, Translator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,922 ratings
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The Practice of the Presence of God in Modern English is modern translation of the timeless spiritual classic. Written over 300 years ago in French, The Practice of the Presence of God is here presented in language understandable to the twenty-first century English reader. Not a paraphrase or an abridgment, this version is a faithful rendering of the text in the spirit of the original work.

Brother Lawrence was a seventeenth century Christian who had a dramatic spiritual awakening at the age of eighteen. Seeing a tree in winter, his soul suddenly opened to the presence of God. Within six years he had entered a Carmelite monastery in Paris, where he worked chiefly in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning. He practiced a simple and natural method. He merely turned his attention to the Divine Presence available at all times during any activity. He reports that he was as fully present with God while washing dishes in the kitchen as he was when partaking of the sacrament in worship.

The profound peace and joy evident in Lawrence's life attracted many visitors, who sought to learn the secret of his unique spiritual practice. Originally published shortly after his death, this volume consists of personal conversations and letters, which communicate how one can experience God at all times. Also included in this edition are his Spiritual Maxims, a document that was discovered among his belongings after his death.
Note: If you prefer a paperback of this translation, please be aware that there are many editions of Brother Lawrence's work available. To make sure you are getting this edition in modern English, please do a search for the following numbers:
  • ASIN: 1521299757
  • ISBN-13: 978-1521299753
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  1. Print length
    79 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    October 16, 2013
  5. File size
    1462 KB
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  7. Word Wise
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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Someone asked me recently how I found time to write. I told them that it is how I pray. Most people spend their time of daily devotions in prayer and reading. They read scripture. They read devotional publications, like The Secret Place or The Upper Room. They read spiritual books. I write. That doesn't mean I don't also read. I am always in the middle of four or five books. It is not unusual for me sometimes to be reading ten books at the same time. I used to have piles of books piled around my reading chair in various stages of literary consumption. Nowadays my Kindle reader makes the space around my chair much less cluttered. My wife is grateful.Over the years I have often returned to one of my favorite spiritual books: The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence. I have read this small volume dozens of times. Lawrence was a French monk who lived in the seventeenth century. He wrote a book which I consider to be one of the greatest spiritual classics of all time.But he wrote it a long time ago. English translations of the book have not kept up with the changes in language. Most commonly his work is found in an anonymous translation of the nineteen century. It is not easy to understand. Therefore for the last few months, during my time of morning devotions, I have been rendering this great work into modern English.  I took it slowly - usually a paragraph a day. Sometimes I took only a sentence or two a day, praying over the words and their meaning. I have now published it under the title The Practice of the Presence of God in Modern English.I have read Lawrence's words many times over the last forty years. His thoughts have shaped my thoughts. His practice has become my practice. I prayed his words the way I have prayed the psalms. As I prayed, I wrote his words in my words.This is more than a translation of words. For me writing is a translation of the presence of God into words. It is like prayer. Prayer - when one is forced to use human language - is an incarnation of Spirit into human vocabulary. Brother Lawrence incarnated the Presence of God better than most followers of Christ. I hope this edition of his book will help his words to be understood more clearly, so they may be translated into human lives today.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00FZ40L9G
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (October 16, 2013)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 16, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1462 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 79 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,922 ratings

About the author

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Marshall Davis

Marshall Davis

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Marshall Davis lives in a small New Hampshire village where he enjoys the mountains and lakes. He is a husband, father, grandfather, cribbage and backgammon player, tea drinker, wood stove feeder, vegetable gardener, walker, preacher, blogger (Spiritual Reflections), podcaster (The Tao of Christ), and YouTube channel videographer (Christian Nonduality). Along the way he has earned theological degrees, served as a full-time pastor for forty years, and authored twenty books.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
2,922 global ratings
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I have been a serious reader and seeker of spiritual reality for over 40 years...This book is definitely one of the greatest influences in my life
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Top reviews from the United States

blue
5.0 out of 5 stars simple and profound
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2024
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simple and profound, this is a concise book that we should all have sitting on the bookshelf for a quick daily reminder of how to practice the presence of God
2 people found this helpful
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Nuyttens
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a refreshing look on a relationship with God!
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2024
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I was unsure on if I'd like this book at first but I am so glad I downloaded it. I actually ended up buying the physical book also. The insight and on how Brother Lawrence developed a relationship with God was amazing. Very easy to understand. Love, loved this version. Couldn't recommend it enough.
One person found this helpful
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Shelly Mendenhall
5.0 out of 5 stars great book
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
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Such a profound book on practicing the presence of God. Although written originally hundreds of years ago, it is current and timely for this generation since practicing the presence of God is always timely.
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D. P. Sargent
5.0 out of 5 stars Grow
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2024
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We all know the poem that says to shoot for a star and you're sure to get to the moon. This very applicable practice points to and positions you in proximity of God. Having done this in ignorance as a young disciple of Christ, I can attest to its effectiveness. Short and easy read with optimal impact - if you are willing.
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Denise Guajardo
4.0 out of 5 stars Short and sweet
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023
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Big concepts in a little book. I definitely plan to read it again slower and in more a meditative way.
2 people found this helpful
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Sjo
5.0 out of 5 stars The Gift of Brother Lawrence's Insight for Today's Seeker
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
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"The Practice of the Presence of God In Modern English" offers a timeless invitation into the spiritual depths explored by Brother Lawrence. His reflections serve as a profound gift, enriching the soul with prayers and perspectives steeped in wisdom. Brother Lawrence's view of the divine in daily life is not just inspiring but transformational. I am immensely thankful for the lessons learned and the spiritual guidance gained from this cherished book. To read it is to step closer to emulating the devotion of Brother Lawrence himself—a journey well worth taking.
3 people found this helpful
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Melinda
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
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Brother Lawrence was a unique spiritual individual. This is a book I'll have to read more than once. For someone that has a true Love of Jesus Christ & God our Father & true faith in God's Holy Spirit indwelling each believer, this is a book to enjoy & strive toward such holiness.
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David E. Nunley, Sr.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024
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This book is a must read for anyone that has questions regarding their relationship with our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ.
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Top reviews from other countries

AAD
5.0 out of 5 stars Look for God in simple things and surrender your will
Reviewed in Germany on January 21, 2024
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I have known a few monks and nuns over the years and I can well relate to Brother Lawrence's view of God. If you have never visited a Catholic monastery you're missing out on meeting Brother Lawrence in real life, here and now... But then, you can read his thoughts. The Presence of God means pure joy in your heart, no matter what. I suppose it's what Jesus meant by His famous cry, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani"... as God was abandoning Him completely in the darkest hour of human history, as Love died in agony, nailed by our sins to the Cross erected on Golgotha. Jesus True God and True Man was left to experience human life with God absent. This is what awaits those who choose to expel God from their lives, endless despair. Eternal joy or despair, the choice is ours, while we can still choose.
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Mark Grainger
5.0 out of 5 stars Quite possibly perfect.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 28, 2022
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I absolutely adore this book. I've purchased 4 more as gifts. God is with us always, we just have to stop and listen. This book has made me a better Christian, husband and father. Thank you Brother Lawrence and Marshall Davis.
2 people found this helpful
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Doug Allitt a Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational
Reviewed in Australia on November 15, 2022
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Hard to believe this manual for living in the Presence of God was written so long ago by Brother Lawrence. Made ever so more meaningful by the exceptional updating by Marshall Davis. It carries great importance for today's seeker on the way.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on November 30, 2015
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Simple. Nothing fancy. Profound.
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Sheila
5.0 out of 5 stars Every believer should read
Reviewed in Canada on September 21, 2023
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Every believer should read this book it helped me understand how to get closer to God and start my journey to stay in Gods presence. The letters written by Brother Lawrence are so easy to understand. I am not Catholic and it doesn’t matter. I wanted to understand more about God, this helps me to focus on him more. Advice: read small amounts at a time, take it in and try it out before continuing. Passed it on to my daughter, she too is loving it.
2 people found this helpful
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