An Invitation to Love

Book excerpt: 2020 International Book Awards, Finalist: Spirituality—Inspirational 2019 Independent Press Awards, Winner: Spirituality 2019 Association of Catholic Publishers, Second Place: Prayer 2019 Best Book Awards, Finalist: Spirituality—Inspirational Every person needs a retreat sometime—to replenish the soul and renew life’s focus. But what if you can’t spend time away from home? What if, instead, you could go on a personal at-home prayer retreat with one of the most experienced and best-loved spiritual directors of our day? An Invitation to Love provides a practical and adaptable sequence of prayer sessions on the great commandment of the Christian faith: to love God and love our neighbor. All other aspects of a healthy and hopeful life grow from our practices of love. When we experience God’s love for us, we can respond with a growing love for God. Loving God will transform us into people who can love our neighbors, too, whoever they are. The voice that speaks in these pages so personally and warmly is that of William A. Barry, SJ, who for decades has gently accompanied people in their prayer. His understanding of Scripture, expertise in nurturing spiritual growth, and joyful confidence in God’s desire for our friendship prepares a welcoming and walkable path to conversation with God and renewal in our hearts.