This is a seven-day retreat with Brother Lawrence and the Russian Pilgrim. Though from different centuries and cultures, both learned the wisdom of constant prayer. Their insights make it possible to transcend everyday cares and focus on God.

This book is a collection of inspirational travel stories that span 17 years of travel by the author, including human interest stories of people she met. In a special section called Traveling Back in Time it also includes stories of genealogy and legends. While tracing her mixed ancestry, Mary Elaine uncovered legends and stories associated with her family tree, and she realized that although unique, the values and ideals are universal. Every family on earth has a story to tell, and for some, these wait to be uncovered.

Included in this collection are two different translations of The Practice and Presence of God, The Spiritual Maxims of Brother Lawrence, and a short Biography of Brother Lawrence. The Practice and Presence of God is one of the most beautiful and touching stories of Christian devotion ever written. Brother Lawrence was a Carmelite Brother known for his profound peace and deep relationship with God; many came to seek spiritual guidance from him. The wisdom that he passed on to them, in conversations and in letters, would later become the basis for the book. These two translations will help the reader find a more complete understanding of this wonderful and enduring story. The Spiritual Maxims of Brother Lawrence are beautifully spiritual teachings that can help anyone have a closer relationship with God. And the short biography that closes out the books offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of Brother Lawrence.

Brother Lawrence (1614 to 1691) was a monk who today is most commonly remembered for the closeness of his relationship with God, as recorded in this little book. He spent almost all of his adult life in solitude, poverty, and obscurity within the walls of a priory. He was known for profound peace and high commitment to Jesus Christ. He cared not for the worldly status of his tasks, but the motivation behind it. "We can do little things for God," he wrote. "I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of him, and that done, if there is nothing else to call me, I prostrate myself in worship before him, who has given me grace to work; afterwards I rise happier than a king. It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God." Generations after his death, this book has become one of the most popular Christian books in history. It was oft quoted by John Wesley and A.W. Tozer, and today tens of millions of copies are in circulation. This edition is available on-demand and is printed in its original translated format. Xulon Press is the country's leading on-demand publisher of Christian books, with more than one million copies in print. Visit www.XulonPress.com.

A fresh revision of this 17th century French mystic's much-loved spiritual classic the Practice of the Presence of God.