The Practice of the Presence of God (Catholic Classics)

Step into a life of continual conversation with God.We hear the call to “pray without ceasing,” but it can seem impossible in the middle of our modern life with daily tasks, interactions, and responsibilities.However, what if this feat is not unattainable?In The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence offers a simple, profound way forward: God is present to you at every moment, and you can learn to be present to him.Brother Lawrence didn’t live a hidden life removed from the world. He worked in a monastery kitchen, carried out ordinary responsibilities, and experienced many of the same distractions and demands we all do. And yet, in the midst of it all, he discovered a way to live in constant friendship with God, where even the smallest tasks became an encounter with him.At the heart of his teaching is this: God is always near, and holiness is found not in extraordinary practices, but in a steady, loving awareness of His presence in the ordinary.The Ascension edition brings this beloved spiritual work to life with a clear, accessible, and Ascension exclusive translation by Matthew K. Minerd, as well as an insightful introduction and commentary by Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Rebecca Dougherty. Inside this book, you’ll discover:Simple ways to “pray without ceasing” through the dayHow ordinary tasks can become real prayerWhy holiness is found in fidelity to small, everyday momentsHow to develop an ongoing, interior conversation with GodWhy childlike trust in God matters more than complex or time consuming practicesHow peace grows when you learn to surrender and trust God in all thingsWhat it means to abide in God not just in prayer, but in every moment of lifeThis book is part of Ascension’s Catholic Classics series, created to make the Church’s most powerful spiritual works readable and approachable for modern Catholics. The Practice of the Presence of God will be read on Ascension’s Catholic Classics podcast with commentary from Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. and Rebecca Dougherty. Read more