French writer JEAN PIERRE DE CAUSSADE (1675-1751) believed that the present moment is holy and that people should abandon themselves to present, a stance that is it stark contrast to the Catholic focus on the future and life after death. For de Caussade, living in the moment meant having a complete trust and faith in God, for God's will defined and guided all things. The practical advice contained in his guidebook for the faithful was originally a series of letters written for the Nuns of the Visitation of Nancy, meant to help them navigate the confusing and difficult work of spiritual enlightenment, and comes together here in two distinct parts, one for the theoretical foundations of abandoning oneself to the present moment and one with practical advice on how to live such a life. Though a departure from the standard Christian perspective, Abandonment to Divine Providence remains a deeply spiritual work with a message that many Christians may find freeing and inspiring.

God hides behind the simplest of daily activities; finding Him is a matter of total surrender to His will. That's the message of this 18th-century inspirational classic. Its encouragement to "live in the moment," accepting everyday obstacles with humility and love, has guided generations of seekers to spiritual peace.

In this superb new translation of the celebrated spiritual classic of wisdom, hope, and inspiration, Jean-Pierre de Caussade offers guidance for daily living in communion with God. This exemplary devotional work summons readers to holiness, reveals ways to conquer self-love and pride, and points the way for experiencing each moment as a sacrament.

The author shows how God speaks to us through every moment of every day. He encourages a joyous, affirming, selfless abandonment to God. By entering into such active contemplation and facing ourselves honestly and openly, the author assures us, we can achieve the comfort and fulfillment of a life suffused with grace.

These timeless spiritual reflections probe the mystery of faith, illuminate the nature of authentic contemplation, and help us recognize and carry out God's purpose in our own lives. They stand as powerful testimony to de Caussade's conviction "that there is nothing easier, more ordinary, more available to all than saintliness."

\"Let go and let God.\" This popular phrase captures the essence of Father Jean-Pierre de Caussade\'s 18th century treatise on trust, Abandonment to Divine Providence. Do you doubt? Do you suffer? Are you anxious about the trials of life? Father de Caussade offers the one sure solution to any spiritual difficulty: abandon yourself entirely to God by embracing the duties of your station in life. With wisdom and gentleness he teaches how to practice complete submission to the will of God in every situation, whether we are beginners or seasoned travelers on the way of perfection. True abandonment, he explains, is a trusting, peaceful, and childlike surrender to the guidance of grace.

""The will of God has nothing but sweetness, grace, and treasures for the surrendered soul""
This inspirational classic was compiled more than a century after the death of its author, the French Jesuit, Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Gathered from the notes, discussions, and letters that he left behind, these reflections focus on accepting the will of God with an open heart, and learning to slow down and live life in the "sacrament of the present moment."
"I count myself blessed that, at an important juncture in my life, a wise elder introduced me to the writings of Caussade. From them I gained not only the guidance I needed to traverse a difficult terrain, but also a permanent element in my outlook on life: an appreciation of the operation of God's providence and my need to be receptive of that providence despite the lack of full understanding and the pressure of contrary desires."
--Michael Casey, O.C.S.O. from the Introduction

This is a new release of the original 1931 edition.

Jean-Pierre de Caussade was one of the most remarkable spiritual writers of the Society of Jesus in France in the 18th Century. His death took place at Toulouse in 1751. His works have gone through many editions and have been republished, and translated into several foreign languages. BOOK I. ON THE VIRTUE OF ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE; ITS NATURE AND EXCELLENCE. BOOK II. ON THE STATE OF ABANDONMENT. LETTERS ON THE PRACTICE OF ABANDONMENT TO DIVINE PROVIDENCE. FIRST BOOK. ON THE ESTEEM FOR AND LOVE OF THIS VIRTUE. SECOND BOOK. THIRD BOOK. ON THE OBSTACLES TO ABANDONMENT. FOURTH BOOK. THE FIRST TRIALS OF SOULS CALLED TO THE STATE OF ABANDONMENT. ARIDITIES, WEAKNESSES AND WEARINESS. FIFTH BOOK. FRESH TRIALS, SUFFERINGS AND PRIVATIONS. SIXTH BOOK. ON THE CONTINUATION OF TRIALS, AND FEAR OF THE ANGER OF GOD. SEVENTH BOOK. THE LAST TRIALS. AGONY AND MYSTICAL DEATH. THE FRUIT THEREOF. Includes letters on the Practice of Self-Abandonment.

This is a new release of the original 1931 edition.