The Practice of the Presence of God

Chapter 1

First Conversation

THE first time I saw Brother Lawrence was upon the 3rd of August, 1666. He told me that God had done him a singular favor in his conversion at the age of eighteen. That in the winter, seeing a tree stripped of its leave

Chapter 2

Second Conversation

That he had always been governed by love, without selfish views; and that having resolved to make the love of God the end of all his actions, he had found reasons to be well satisfied with his method. That he was pleased

Chapter 3

Third Conversation

He told me that the foundation of the spiritual life in him had been a high notion and esteem of God in faith; which when he had once well conceived, he had no other care at first but faithfully to reject every other tho

Chapter 4

Fourth Conversation

He discoursed with me frequently, and with great openness of heart, concerning his manner of going to God, whereof some part is related already. He told me that all consists in one hearty renunciation of everything whic

Chapter 5

First Letter

SINCE you desire so earnestly that I should communicate to you the method by which I arrived at that habitual sense of God'S presence, which our Lord, of His mercy, has been pleased to vouchsafe to me, I must tell you th

Chapter 6

Second Letter

To the Reverend Not finding my manner of life in books, although I have no difficulty about it, yet, for greater security, I shall be glad to know your thoughts concerning it. In a conversation some days since with a p

Chapter 7

Third Letter

We have a God who is infinitely gracious and knows all about our wants. I always thought that He would reduce you to extremity. He will come in His own time, and when you least expect it. Hope in Him more than ever; than

Chapter 8

Fourth Letter

I have taken this opportunity to communicate to you the sentiments of one of our society, concerning the admirable effects and continual assistances which he receives from the presence of God. Let you and me both profit

Chapter 9

Fifth Letter

I received this day two books and a letter from Sister, who is preparing to make her profession, and upon that account desires the prayers of your holy society, and yours in particular. I perceive that she reckons much

Chapter 10

Sixth Letter

(To the Same) I have received from Mrs. the things which you gave her for me. I wonder that you have not given me your thoughts of the little book I sent to you, and which you must have received. Pray set heartily abou

Chapter 11

Seventh Letter

I pity you much. It will be of great importance if you can leave the care of your affairs to, and spend the remainder of your life only in worshiping God. He requires no great matters of us: a little remembrance of Him

Chapter 12

Eighth Letter

(Concerning Wandering Thoughts in Prayer) You tell me nothing new; you are not the only one that is troubled with wandering thoughts. Our mind is extremely roving; but, as the will is mistress of all our faculties, she

Chapter 13

Ninth Letter

The inclosed is an answer to that which I received from; pray deliver it to her. She seems to me full of good will, but she would go faster than grace. One does not become holy all at once. I recommend her to you; we

Chapter 14

Tenth Letter

I have had a good deal of difficulty to bring myself to write to Mr., and I do it now purely because you and Madam desire me. Pray write the directions and send it to him. I am very well pleased with the trust which y

Chapter 15

Eleventh Letter

I do not pray that you may be delivered from your pains, but I pray God earnestly that He would give you strength and patience to bear them as long as He pleases. Comfort yourself with Him who holds you fastened to the c

Chapter 16

Twelfth Letter

If we were well accustomed to the exercise of the presence of God, all bodily diseases would be much alleviated thereby. God often permits that we should suffer a little to purify our souls and oblige us to continue with

Chapter 17

Thirteenth Letter

(To the Same) I am in pain to see you suffer so long. What gives me some ease and sweetens the feelings I have for your griefs is that they are proofs of God'S love toward you. See them in that view and you will bear t

Chapter 18

Fourteenth Letter

(To the Same) I render thanks to our Lord for having relieved you a little, according to your desire. I have been often near expiring, but I never was so much satisfied as then. Accordingly, I did not pray for any relie

Chapter 19

Fifteenth Letter

(To the Same) God knoweth best what is needful for us, and all that He does is for our good. If we knew how much He loves us, we should always be ready to receive equally and with indifference from His hand the sweet an