A Brighter Day Begins with His Word.

CHRISTIAN HISTORY • Catholic Carmelite lay brother

Brother Lawrence

c. 1614–1691

Brother Lawrence, born Nicolas Herman, was a French lay brother in a Carmelite community in Paris. He is remembered not for an academic career or public preaching ministry but for a simple spirituality centered on awareness of God in ordinary tasks.

After his death, conversations and letters associated with him were collected and circulated as The Practice of the Presence of God. The work describes prayer not only as formal devotion but as continual turning of attention toward God while working, serving and enduring difficulty.

The book crossed denominational boundaries and has been read by Catholics and Protestants alike. Its enduring appeal comes from the conviction that ordinary work can become a place of communion with God.

Born Again Daily includes it because the Classic Library is not limited to one Protestant subtradition; historically important Christian voices are identified by tradition so readers know the context in which they wrote.

Works in this library

The Practice of the Presence of God
Conversations and letters on living consciously in the presence of God amid ordinary work.