By Marilyn Spaulding

What can you say about a book that’s been on the spiritual best-seller list for 300 years? The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, has influenced Christians from all denominations and disciplines.

The lay Carmelite brother (he never considered himself worthy of progressing beyond a novice) had a lifelong relationship with God cultivated through single-minded discipline. To imitate him, however, does not require a monastic environment, but a heart that is focused on the love of God.

Brother Lawrence’s secret -- which even people in his own time sought to learn -- was a continual interior conversation with God, a peaceful, loving gaze that extended to the smallest tasks.

“To do great things is not necessary,” said Brother Lawrence. “I turn my little omelet in the pan for the love of God.” He determined to live “as though there were no one else in the world but (God) and me.”

Surprisingly, this focus did not turn him away from humanity, but increased his compassion and willingness to serve others. Brother Lawrence became a monk to atone for his faults and sacrifice himself to God. However, he found such great joy in his religious life that it frequently caused him to say to God, “You have outwitted me.”