The Practice of the Presence of God


Read by Kirsten Ferreri

(4.9 stars; 293 reviews)

The Practice of the Presence of God is a collection of letters and transcriptions of conversations, compiled by a disciple of Brother Lawrence. Brother Lawrence was a Carmelite monk and head cook in his monastery's kitchens. He quickly gained an international reputation as a mystic and spiritual counselor. The Practice of the Presence records his last words of advice to his friends and disciples, as he suffered from an unnamed illness which would eventually take his life. (Description written by Kirsten Ferreri.) (1 hr 13 min)

Chapters

First Conversation 4:02 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Second Conversation 7:34 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Third Conversation 3:48 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Fourth Conversation 8:47 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
First Letter 3:32 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Second Letter 8:22 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Third Letter 2:33 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Fourth Letter 4:54 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Fifth Letter 2:50 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Sixth Letter 2:58 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Seventh Letter 2:39 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Eight Letter 2:26 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Ninth Letter 3:05 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Tenth Letter 2:04 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Eleventh Letter 3:53 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Twelfth Letter 2:23 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Thirteenth Letter 2:21 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Fourteenth Letter 2:14 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Fifteenth Letter 2:49 Read by Kirsten Ferreri

Reviews


(5 stars)

I first read this little book in my early thirties. It awakened in me a fire for God's presence that has carried on for thirty five years, ebbing and flowing, but never going out. I have practiced God's presence, per Brother Lawrence, striving to devote myself to Him for the sake of love alone. These last few years, the flame has burst into a devotion that is consuming. His presence was always with me, but now my consciousness of Him is almost constant, and revelations of His person are so remarkable that, as Brother Lawrence stated, I must sometimes control myself to appear sane. He is, truly, joy unspeakable and full of glory. If you are struggling with the effort of living in His presence, please be encouraged. Give all to Him. Our puny thoughts and words can never describe His immeasurable love and devotion to us. This little book is priceless.


(5 stars)

The reader was very skilled and spoke slowly and clearly enough so that the words of Brother Lawrence had time to settle within my spirit. The truths revealed in this book are astonishing. I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity to increase my faith and to learn more about the best way to stay in the presence of God.

Inspiring


(5 stars)

I did not realize that one could experience such intimacy with God, until I heard this audiobook. I listened to it all in one sitting. Remarkable. Praise the Lord!

Excellent book on dwelling in God.


(5 stars)

This book is short and concise. It is written simply by a monk who lived his life in communion with God, no matter what he had to do. It is full of joy and hope, not does and don'ts. This is a compilation of his letters and conversation based on his view of life and God. It is evident that this wasn't written by him to be printed. There is a personal side to his musings, as though he is talking to you, as a dear friend.


(5 stars)

This book is deeply inspirational. Thank you Brother Lawrence for sharing your profoundly beautiful way of life, leading us gently on the path to appreciate and trust the will of God, to love God with all our heart, to live for God as He is the ultimate in life. I could say many more good things about this book but I will leave it to the reader or listener to experience the fullness of it for themselves. The reader of the book at LibriVox does a great job.

A gem of Carmelite life


(5 stars)

I first read this in high school and am coming back to it now after years as a secular Carmelite. Br. Laurence was Carmelite monk and I recognize the rich teachings of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the cross, distilled into a simple guide for recollection and detachment. Just what I needed to refocus on recollection. If you want more along these lines, I highly recommend The Way of Perfection by Teresa of Avila.

Great reading.


(5 stars)

I am enjoying this one. The reader has a kindly voice and is easy to listen too. This book is so good that you will want to read/hear it again and again. May God blessed the reader and those who listen.

Simply wonderful


(5 stars)

Thank you for making this wonderful little book available! It really is a treasure for anyone seeking a deeper relationship with God.