The Practice of the Presence of God : Conversations and Letters of Brother Lawrence

First published in 1692, a year after Brother Lawrence’s death, this beautifully written and intensely personal little book has been cherished for generations as a rich source of inspiration and guidance for all who seek true and lasting spiritual fulfilment. Nicholas Herman of Lorraine, better known as Brother Lawrence, was born in France in 1611 and came from humble origins. First serving as a soldier, then as a footman, he entered the Carmelite Order in Paris as a lay brother at the age of 55, where he became a cook and immersed himself in the devotional life. For him there was no distinction between ‘the time of business’ and ‘the time of prayer’. He died in 1691 at 80 years of age, honoured by all who knew him.