Practicing God’s Presence :: Brother Lawrence

– a book review by NRJohnson –

 

Jesus must become our sole focus in Christianity; and not for a mere moment, but every single minute of every single day. In the 17th century, a monk by the name of Brother Lawrence found that he could have as deep of intimacy with Jesus while washing dishes in the kitchen as when he was knelt at the altar to pray. Some 300 years later, in the early 20th century, another man, Frank Laubach, began to experiment with turning his mind purposely on Jesus. He called his experiment the “Game of Minutes,” where at least once every minute he would consciously think upon his Lord and Saviour. Both of these men found that by turning your focus upon Jesus, depth, intimacy, and oneness deepened and increased tenfold.

 

If you are looking for a book Stephen Manley continually tells others to read, this would be one at the top of the list.

 

NOTE: The original book “Practicing the Presence of God” was written by Brother Lawrence. However a recent edition, edited by Gene Edwards, has updated the language making it easier to read – this edition contains a condensed version of Brother Lawrence’s work (the writings pertaining to practicing God’s presence) and a selection of Frank Laubach’s writings. If you are going to read the book, I encourage you to get this edition (ISBN: 0940232014).