Invitation to Love

This is one book I would recommend most highly to anyone who thinks about learning more about prayer and hungers for more. The subtitle, "The Way of Christian Contemplation" should not frighten anyone because it is not "new" nor is it just a "technique." Rather, it follows from the best tradition of the church, including John of the Cross, Theresa of Avila and others. Fr. Keating's writing is simple, clear, using examples we can all identify with. No one needs a theology degree for this, just a hunger to learn about deeper prayer. At 140 pages, Keating give a great introduction....and in fact lots more than just a start.

INVITATION TO LOVE is the third of Father Keating's books to deal with Christian Comtemplation, centering prayer and developing a deeper understanding of our relationship to God. This type of prayer, unlike more active forms, enables us to "rest in God's presence" and can help us in our journey toward God.In this book, the author discusses the many false programs for happiness and levels of human consciousness, giving the reader a better understanding of how we seek God on our terms, rather than on His. Our obstacles to prayer are shown in the context of our psychological background and social upbringing, yet Father Keating does so in a clear, yet inspiring style. As other reviewers have noted, the reader may get more out of this book by reading OPEN MINDS, OPEN HEARTS and THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST. I read both of those books and found that each built on the other. Together, they are an excellent resource.

Abbot Keating's work here reflects not only maturity in Christ but a passion to paint images of many scenes along the spiritual journey. This book will challenge the reader and as well it should. This journey is the challenge of the cosmos and you'll bloody well get a better handle on that once you've read Fr. Thomas Keating's book. You will see why Fr. Louis of Gethsemani wrote that "alleluia is the song of the desert" as you embrace and enter into the invitation portrayed so lovingly in this book. It is easy to see why Fr. Keating became Abbot of St. Joseph's Abbey. This is a very, very good book and you'll join with me in thanking God for Thomas Keating once you've read it.

The book title spells it clearly. We ponder the reason the creation, well, it is about love. God invites us to a relationship with him. Keating's work is outstanding, he explores the pyschological, sociological and spiritual aspects of abiding with God. This is is NOT religion, if you want lithurgy go to church. This is about getting an invitation from God to come into a secret room(your heart) close the door and spend the rest of eternity with Him. END