Inviting Gods Presence

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY MAR 3, 2003

Keefauver, CBA best-selling author of the Lord, I Wish series, gives the impression that a powerful, lifelong, daily experience of God's living presence is just 12 weeks away: "This book offers you the keys to befriending God, the keys to tearing down the walls. Inviting and finding God's presence will uncover the dazzling treasures of communication, trust, companionship, loyalty, miracles, expectation, hope, revelation, healing, cleansing, acceptance and strength." He provides discussion and reflection concerning 16 "walls" that block out God's presence from our lives, including silence, mistrust, anger, despair, pain, and guilt. Unfortunately, the book covers each of these extremely complex situations in a matter of pages, offering simplistic answers with an emphasis on Christian psychology more than mystical pursuit ("This week, you will move beyond the walls of greed and guilt"). Keefauver also has an unfortunate tendency to overuse his metaphors: "On the other side of my lonely wall, God's presence waits. On the perimeter of my inward gluttony, his presence camps out." The book's user-friendly graphic design, with daily readings and space for journaling and reflection, is its best asset. However, most readers seeking to conquer obstacles to God's presence will want a more in-depth treatment than is offered by this oversimplified manual.