The Practice of the Presence of God

Brother Lawrence's teachings on Christianity and the principles of keeping one's faith firm are published here in full, with an exceptional translation by Hannah Whitall Smith.

Brother Lawrence was a French monk who lived during the 17th century, spending much of his life in monastic seclusion. Lawrence spent years contemplating the nature of the divine and how best to adhere to the Christian religion to which he devoted his lifetime. 

His writings are presented in two parts - the conversations and the letters. 

The conversations are composed of a series of talks between Lawrence and Father Joseph de Beaufort, the compiler of the text. Together they discuss matters of faith, such as staying true to God, virtuous behaviour, and how trust in the Lord is a crucial and founding aspect of every Christian believer's life. 

The letters are correspondences between Brother Lawrence and various adherents who wrote to him with pleas for emotional or moral support. In replying to these queries with passion and conviction, Lawrence displays the manner in which he would impart wisdom and spiritual guidance to those in need. 

The authoritative and accurate translation of the text in this edition is by Hannah Whitall Smith, a scholar of Christianity who has translated numerous texts regarding matters of the faith.