In this devotional by Joni Eareckson Tada, her meditations are based on the writings of Brother Lawrence, a Carmelite monk who lived in Paris in the 1600's. Though the two lived three centuries apart, their struggles and journeys of faith are oddly and strikingly similar.

Brother Lawrence, a soldier, was grievously wounded in combat. After trying other jobs, and failing at all of them, he entered a monastery seeking solace. It wasn't until a decade into his stay there, that he began to find the comfort he sought by focusing his attention on the presence of God in every moment of his day.

Joni Eareckson Tada, a high-school senior in the late 1960's, was greatly concerned about the sinful path she was on and from which she couldn't break herself free. She broke her neck in a diving accident and became a quadraplegic.

Both struggled morally; both suffered greatly. Each came to rely on their faith and constant communication with their Lord to get through the challenges of their lives.

Each of the short daily meditations is based on a quote of Brother Lawrence taken from his book of letters. The author then gives her modern day take on it. This is a book that would be helpful for any Christian struggling with his/her faith or going through a dark and challenging season of life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found that it gave me perspective, inspiration and comfort. The author's pen and ink drawings (done by mouth) are amazing!! I highly recommend this book.

My sincere thanks to Multnomah who let me read a DRC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given. Publication will be 10/24/23.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this devotional book.

This book was not really what I expected. The devotionals are rather short and I expected more from Joni and could have done with way less from Brother Lawrence.

When I buy a book from Joni, I expect to read Joni.

Would not recommend if you want a Joni Eareckson Tada devotional

One of my favorite devotionals is Joni's "More Precious Than Siver", so I knew this would be good too! Her insights are hard-won, of course, speaking to the depths of our own struggles. Through it all she keeps pointing us to the One Who can uphold us as no one else can.
I had never read "Practicing the Presence of God", so it is a double blessing of a book!

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus
Joni Eareckson Tada
Oct. 24, 2023
Multnomah
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ArC of this devotional in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book is not going to entice every reader but I found it encouraging. Themes in this book relate to suffering and hardship. Every chapter of this book begins with a quote from Brother Lawrence’s book. I especially enjoyed Tara’s pen and ink drawings. Most of the devotional are no longer than a page and a half. The chapters end with a question to meditate on. This book is a sweet balm that reminded me to pray for others when I am in pain and suffering.
3 stars

I must say that I love Joni Eareckson Tada’s perspective. It has been born through trials that she has chosen to accept and perfect by digging intensely into relationship with Jesus. I have loved Brother Lawrence’s book for many years now. This compilation takes practicing the presence of God to another level by seeking Jesus within the presence of God and drawing so much more from Him.

Each of the 110 devotions begin with a quote from Brother Lawrence complete with correlating page number. The body of each impassioned segment takes the reader much deeper into the topic with a question for contemplation at the end.

I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

Having never read anything by Joni Earackson Tada, and also having never heard of Brother Lawrence, I was curious about this one when it popped up on NetGalley. While I didn't get to dwell in it daily like one would normally do with a devotional, I was still able to appreciate what Tada has collected here, and to resonate with several of the entries.

"The path to heaven is much like the path to Calvary - mostly uphill, filled with danger, and stained with blood.... If I wanted to be like Jesus, I must bear a cross. I can't have Jesus without a cross. But it's not a one-size-fits-all cross that's generic to all; it is a cross specific to me. My cross. It's honed by God and heavy enough to ensure that I'll require his help every step of the way (it wouldn't be a cross if it were easily borne). So when I daily pick up my cross, I 'die to the sins that Christ died for on his cross.' I die to complaining, fears of the future, comparing my lot with others, and coddling doubts about God's character. My cross cuts at and carves away sin; it wounds me and finally perfects in me the glorious image of my Savior. It's why the presence of Jesus is my dearest companion on the road to heaven. I love to fix my eyes on him who, for the joy set before him, endured his cross and sat down at the right hand of God's throne."

Frankly, I didn't connect with everything that Tada had to say. Sometimes I found it in the contemplative realm, which I find to be a little squishy at times. I also didn't always grasp how her reflections fit in with the passage from Brother Lawrence she quoted. Finally, I felt like the meditation line at the end of each entry mostly fell flat. To me, it either didn't fit with what I'd just read, or it was too simplistic for what I'd just read.

"A syrupy picture of Jesus requires nothing from us; a nostalgic idea of him requires no conviction or commitment. It lacks power because it lacks truth. So for a moment, brush aside the birds and the lilies, and consider the facts: A dead man walked out of his grave."

All together, I found this to be a fairly solid devotional. I would prefer one that focuses on a verse or two (or several) before a quote from another saint, but that doesn't mean that this one came without references. Tada incorporates a lot of scripture in her reflections. If you've enjoyed Tada before, you'd probably be all over this one. I would probably choose something else, but I still found this to be commendable.

This is a beautiful collection of devotions written by Joni Earackson Tada. I will be returning to this book when it is published. Thank you for putting this together, Joni.

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus combines devotional meditations from Joni Eareckson Tada as well as Brother Lawrence. I appreciated the digestible, short + concise nature of the book. I did find some of the concepts to be redundant, as well as each day's reading to be a bit too short for my personal taste. However, Joni's thoughts in particular are, as always, truth-filled, gracious, humble and edifying. This book will particularly resonate with those journeying through suffering and wilderness seasons.
Thank you to NetGalley and Multnomah for the advanced copy. This is my honest review.

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus: Daily Meditations on the Nearness of Our
Savior is a book by Joni Eareckson Tada, a renowned author, speaker, and disability
advocate who has been a quadriplegic since a diving accident at age seventeen. The
book is based on the classic work of Brother Lawrence, a seventeenth-century monk
who learned to cultivate a constant awareness of God’s presence in his everyday life.
The book combines devotional content from Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the
Presence of God with original insights and reflections from Joni, who shares how she
has applied this spiritual discipline to her own life of suffering and joy
. This book is a treasure for anyone who wants to grow closer to Jesus and experience
His peace and joy in every circumstance. Joni Eareckson Tada is a living testimony of
God’s grace and power, and her words are full of wisdom, encouragement, and hope.
She shows how Brother Lawrence’s simple but profound practice of being aware of
God’s presence can transform our lives and help us overcome our fears, worries, and
challenges. The book is beautifully written, easy to read, and rich in biblical truth. Each
meditation includes a scripture verse, a quote from Brother Lawrence, a reflection from
Joni, and a prayer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with Jesus and discover the joy of practicing His presence
every day

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus combines wisdom from 2 giants of the faith in one easy to use volume. The letters of seventeenth century monk Brother Lawrence were published after his death as The Practice of the Presence of God. It is a classic on the Christian faith and pursuing a deeper walk with God. Joni Eareckson Tada has an open and honest way of spreading encouragement and hope, even as she endures her own physical hardships with quadriplegia and cancer. If you are not familiar with her and her books you need to be.
As always, this is another wonderful devotional by Joni Eareckson Tada. The book begins with lengthy introductions to both Brother Lawrence and Joni, followed by 110 short readings. Each entry includes a quote by Brother Lawrence, on which Joni then expounds briefly and includes a meditation on the subject. Joni’s art is also sprinkled throughout the book, tying everything together beautifully. I recommend this book, as I would any of Joni’s writings, as well as the writings of Brother Lawrence. Perfect for yourself and as a gift, this book will bring you into a closer relationship with Jesus as you practice being in His presence.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

★★★★ ☐ The publisher has provided a copy for review.

Maybe your life has ceased to be creative or interesting. Maybe you face real challenges and insurmountable obstacles. Tada knows all about that. This daily meditation combines writings of Brother Lawrence, a lowly monk working in the kitchens of his monastery with Tada's own observations of life with severe human limits.

Tada encourages the reader to come near to Jesus, to draw strength for each day, and to look beyond what people assume our life looks like. She offers hope for the hopeless, perspective for the historically challenged Christian, and a daily meditation that will change your life.

Sometimes followers of Jesus become bored because they are shallow in their faith. Sometimes there's not enough mystery in the tourney. Well, here's a solution to those assumptions! Dive in. Highly recommended for yourself or as a gift, whether for birthdays, Christmas, or the New Year.

My Thoughts:

I’ve read The Practice of the Presence of God written by Brother Lawrence. My copy is dad’s old copy published by Fleming H. Revell Company in 1958. It is a 64-page book that is the length of my hand, yet heavy with thought and wisdom.

From the preface of my copy of The Practice of the Presence of God: “The value of this book lies in its Christian humility and simplicity.” Page 5.

Joni Eareckson Tada has expounded on Brother Lawrences’ book and crafted a book to be used as a devotional and help to those in a season of suffering.

I want to state first: The Practice of the Presence of Jesus has a target audience in mind. It is a book that is not going to entice every reader.

I mentioned a season of suffering and hardship. These are some of the themes related to this in the book.

1. Chronic pain.
2. Health crisis.
3. Inability to sleep.
4. Fear.
5. Discouragement.
6. An affliction.

Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) was a lay brother in a Catholic Carmelite monastery in Paris, France. Because he is a Catholic writer it is possible Protestant readers are unaware of him or they are not comfortable reading his book.

Every chapter of Tada’s book begins with a quote from Lawrences’ book. In reading Tada’s book, the reader will become familiar with Lawrences’ book.

Important points about this book:

1. Tada’s pen and ink drawings are in the book. Not every chapter has a drawing, but they are throughout the book.
2. 110 chapters. Often, a devotional book is either for a year or a 30-day month. It is interesting that this book holds 110 chapters.
3. The “Introduction” shares a brief bio of both Brother Lawrence and Joni Eareckson Tada.
4. After the “Introduction” there is a “Before You Begin” chapter. It addresses “suffering” and how this book can be helpful.
5. Most of the devotionals or meditations are no longer than a page and a half. One Bible verse is included in each. The short chapters are a bonus for someone who is in such a place of suffering they cannot focus for long.
6. The chapters end with a question to meditate on. Once again, one question is enough for a person to read and meditate on who is suffering.
7. The book, The Practice of the Presence of God, Tada quotes and gives a page number for is not the same edition I have. Her copy is an 1896 edition.
8. The Practice of the Presence of Jesus is a sweet balm, a humble and tender book.

Other themes in the book:

1. Praise.
2. Gratitude.
3. Blessings.
4. Worship.
5. Prayer.
6. Strength to endure.
7. Courage.
8. Condition of our souls.

One of the sweetest chapters is when Tada expresses that during the night when she is in pain and suffering, she prays for others, or she speaks known hymns. I’ve known other people who do this. I have done this. Not only is it helpful but it takes my mind or focus off myself and to pray for others.


Format: E-book from NetGalley.
Source: I received a complimentary e-book from NetGalley and WaterBrook Multnomah. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Christian readers who are going through a season of suffering and hardship.
Rating: Good to very good.

A really great book and a reminder to really focus on the one thing that's most important, which is Jesus!

The Practice of the Presence of Jesus by Joni Eareckson Tada

This 110 Chapter devotional by Joni Eareckson Tada is a little different than any other devotional I've read in that it takes excerpt's from Brother Lawrence's book "The Practice of the Presence of God" with a short devotional from Joni.
Each chapter encourages you to find God in every present moment through Brother Lawrence's quotes, Scripture, and a meditation from Joni, while beautifully paired with her artwork.
I enjoyed how this book points you to our amazing Savior and reveals how Joni has sought to praise and worship God in the midst of often unrelenting pain. She inspires you to live each and every day praising God in every circumstance.

The more I read through this book, the more my focus came to rest on Jesus. I find this to be very much a "be still and know that I am God" devotional, and to know His presence with me. It is not 'magic' but a gentle drawing of the heart to Jesus and finding His still calmness. The combined words of Brother Lawrence's quotes which acted as a launching pad of sorts for Joni's short sharings helped to tune my mind towards Jesus. These two sections were followed by a statement or a question of meditation to further the message's impact upon a believer's heartstrings.

The idea of fully engaging in practicing Jesus' presence in the way Joni explains will indeed be life changing despite any constant conflicts or pain a person may be enduring. The words really effectively give awareness that there can be such a practice and that it can be daily, or rather a minutely minute-by-minute exercise.

I'm really glad I got to read this book. I believe it will be very helpful for anyone who wishes to know Jesus' presence more in their life.

A 5-Star rating from me.

~Eunice C., Blogger/Reviewer 2023~

May 2023

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.

I’ve read a devotional by Joni Eareckson Tada before, so I was excited to get this from NetGalley. Unlike other devotionals I’ve ever read, this is slightly different. Instead of a verse leading the devotional, this is a quote from Brother Lawrence. It was a strange setup for me at first, but it’s okay. She fills the devotionals with many many scriptures, so in the end, it does feel like a traditional devotional. And since I’ve never come across Brother Lawrence before, I’m eager to read more from him as well.

If I compare this to her other devotional that I’ve been reading, I prefer her other one (“A Spectacle of Glory”). But this had some really powerful passages that I won’t forget. If you suffer from chronic pain or illness, this is definitely a book for you. I grew up reading her autobiography for kids called “Joni’s Story” and I always found it inspiring. So I do recommend her books and the encouragement that she brings to people. I will definitely be reading more from her.

Thank you to NetGalley and Multnomah for the advanced copy. This is my honest review

Joni’s words— inspired by Brother Lawrence’s words from “The Practice of the Presence of God”— are short, digestible, but big important truths meant for daily reading. Each devotional includes a passage from Brother Lawrence, thoughts from Joni, and a phrase on which to meditate. Joni’s words are a balm to the soul of the sufferer.

This charming devotional is from two giants in the faith: Brother Lawrence and Joni Ereckson Tada. Each chapter contains an excerpt (a few sentences) from Brother Lawrence and then a short devotional by Joni with a question to ponder at the end. I found it to be very down to earth and easy to read.

Most people know the story of Joni Eareckson Tada, a well-known advocate for the disabled. Following the swimming accident that left her a quadriplegic, she turned to the Scripture, and to writings of other Christians on the topic of suffering. A book she found particularly helpful was The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, a 17th century lay monk, who spent most of his time working in the kitchen. Although she had read this book before, it came to have special meaning for her as she sought peace and acceptance of her condition.

In this devotional book, each entry begins with a short section from The Practice of the Presence of God, followed by Joni's own thoughts on its meaning and present day application. At the end there is a question for journaling or meditation. Some of Joni's drawings are sprinkled throughout the book. There is also an introduction that summarizes the lives of Father Lawrence and Joni.

Beautiful devotional by a Christian heroine. I requested this because of the author and expected nothing less than delight and edification in the read. I was not disappointed. Loved this book so much. Will make an excellent Christmas gift for my family members.