Chapter 1 • First Conversation
Surrendering the Heart in Every Daily Task
Brother Lawrence said that the spiritual life consisteth in one single foundation: to surrender oneself wholly to God for the pure love of Him.
Spiritual Life • 1692
The Practice of the Presence of God
Brother Lawrence
Gentle wisdom on cultivating uninterrupted peace, silent prayer, and living in conscious awareness of God throughout every daily task.
Chapter 2 • Second Conversation
Simple Love and Continual Silent Prayer
He said we need neither art nor science to converse with God; all that is needed is a simple, loving, and attentive heart.
Chapter 3 • Third Conversation
Unbroken Peace in the Midst of Labor
He affirmed that the greatest mistake of many souls is to think that we must wait for set times of leisure to be with God.
Chapter 4 • Fourth Conversation
Serene Trust in Times of Frailty
Brother Lawrence taught that when we find ourselves weak or make a mistake, we should not plunge into bitter despair or self-reproach.
Chapter 5 • First Letter
How to Keep the Mind in Steady Calm
My brother: You ask counsel on how to persevere in the presence of God when the mind is weary or distracted by the cares of life.
Chapter 6 • Second Letter
The Remedy Against Anxiety and Disquiet
Be not disquieted about the future nor about that which is not in your hands to change. The Lord who careth for the birds of the air and clotheth the lilies of the field will care with infinite tenderness for you.
Chapter 7 • Third Letter
Living in the Sweet and Abiding Divine Presence
The presence of God is the life and nourishment of the soul. It scattereth the clouds of fear, stilleth the storms of thought, and filleth the spirit with a pure joy that the world can neither give nor take away.