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Rating: 
Summary: Cool and refreshing water for the spiritual journey ...
Review: 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.
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Summary: Inspirational, exciting, great for beginning contemplatives!
Review: Common sense definitions of Original Sin and spiritual evolution. Outlines Jesus program for true happiness. Shows how contemplative prayer and living the Beatitudes can bring you into an awareness of God, which can lead to transforming union with the Deity
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Summary: Gentle, solid introduction to contemplation
Review: Father Keating displays a gift for imparting essential points of mystic theology (a beauty so ancient and so new ... could not resist adding that, because many of his references are Augustinian) in a manner so gentle that they seem simple reflections. (At this moment, I hope that my reference to "mystic theology" does not cause potential readers to click the back button.) Scriptural references abound, and are often haunting - so much so that the translations (his own?), which are rather excessively colloquial, do not make one wince. The author explains points clearly and well, and generally with an engaging charm. Very fine work.
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Summary: Do Groundwork First
Review: Father Keating introduces Centering Prayer in "Open Mind, Open Heart." If you have not read this introduction or "A Deeper Love" by Smith and Chalmers, I would recommend that you do that prior to reading "Invitation to Love". "OMOH" offers an introductory conceptual framework and understanding for Centering Prayer practice. Centering Prayer practice is a prayer practice of relationship between the human person and the divine indwelling Center which is called, "The Kingdom of God." When one has followed through with Centering Prayer practice for a while (perhaps 3-6 months) then read "Invitation to Love." This book invites the reader to ponder the deeper dimensions of the levels of consciousness and what is involved in the dismantling of the programs of happiness (the false self system) to which Keating often refers. This is an excellent resource for Centering Prayer practitioners but it is not a light book. It is a web of integrative material which gives an overview of the psycho spiritual developmental aspects of Centering Prayer practice. It is excellent. But those who will gain the most from it may need to do a little groundwork in Centering and basic reading first.
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Summary: Do Groundwork First
Review: Father Keating introduces Centering Prayer in "Open Mind, Open Heart." If you have not read this introduction or "A Deeper Love" by Smith and Chalmers, I would recommend that you do that prior to reading "Invitation to Love". "OMOH" offers an introductory conceptual framework and understanding for Centering Prayer practice. Centering Prayer practice is a prayer practice of relationship between the human person and the divine indwelling Center which is called, "The Kingdom of God." When one has followed through with Centering Prayer practice for a while (perhaps 3-6 months) then read "Invitation to Love." This book invites the reader to ponder the deeper dimensions of the levels of consciousness and what is involved in the dismantling of the programs of happiness (the false self system) to which Keating often refers. This is an excellent resource for Centering Prayer practitioners but it is not a light book. It is a web of integrative material which gives an overview of the psycho spiritual developmental aspects of Centering Prayer practice. It is excellent. But those who will gain the most from it may need to do a little groundwork in Centering and basic reading first.
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Summary: Keating to the rescue again!
Review: Having been to a retreat led by Father Keating, I find a seamless connection between the man and his books. Invitation to Love follows his typical pattern of treating profound spiritual issues with simplicity of style and great respect for the connection between spiritual and psychological growth. The ostrich can't see with his head in the sand; neither can we "see" spiritually until we have wiped the sand from our eyes and looked at our psychological formation and its effects on us as adults. Keating explains this connection and provides ways to progress from an "I-centered" to a spiritually-centered way of life. Reading this book was a gift to myself!
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Summary: Invitation to Deeper Prayer
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Invitation to Deeper Prayer
Review: 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.
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Summary: Accepting His Invitation
Review: 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
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