title: The Practice of the Presence of God: Being Conversations and Letters of Nicholas Herman of Lorraine (Brother Lawrence)
author: Brother Lawrence
description: Nicholas Herman of Lorraine, better known as Brother Lawrence, was born in 1611 of humble origin. First serving as a soldier, he entered the Carmelite Order in Paris at the age of 55 and became a cook. He died in 1691 at the age of 80, honored by all who knew him.
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  # The Practice of the Presence of God
  
  
  ## Brother Lawrence
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  **Published:**
  
  
  1692  
  
  
  **Categorie(s):**
  
  
  Non-Fiction, Religion  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  #
  
  
  **About Brother Lawrence**
  
  
  
  
  
  ![brother-lawrence](Image00000.jpg)
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  Brother Lawrence was born Nicolas Herman in Hériménil, near Lunéville in the
  region of Lorraine, located in modern-day eastern France. His parents were
  peasants, so his schooling was limited at best. Young Nicholas Herman grew up
  during the calamitous Thirty Years War, which devastated central Europe
  between 1618 and 1648. As a young man, Herman's poverty forced him into
  joining the army, which guaranteed him meals and a small stipend. During this
  period, Herman claimed an experience that set him on a unique spiritual
  journey.
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  He fought in the Thirty Years' War and following an injury, left the army and
  served as a valet. In 1635, Nicholas fought against Swedish infantry and
  French cavalry at Rambervillers, not fa