Seek My Face: Prayer as Personal Relationship in Scripture

by William A. Barry

What does it mean to have a relationship with God? Why do so many of us avoid a relationship with God at all costs? What examples from Scripture might guide us in developing a close, prayerful relationship with God? In Seek My Face , William A. Barry, SJ, provides thoughtful and easy-to-understand answers that can help anyone draw closer to God.Throughout the book, Fr. Barry introduces situations and personalities from both the Old and New Testaments to show readers the various ways in which people in the Bible—Abraham, Moses, Peter, Jesus—drew closer to God, and how we can use their examples to develop a closer relationship with God ourselves.

Genres: Religion, Prayer

152 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1988

About the author

William (Bill) Barry, a distinguished spiritual director and author, was born in Worchester, MA. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1950, studied philosophy in Germany from 1953 until 1956, and was at Weston College for theology studies from 1959 until 1963. Ordained a priest in 1962, Barry went on to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan in 1968.

In 1969, he began teaching psychology at Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, MA, and in 1971 was named director for the Center for Religious Development. He served in both capacities until 1978, when he was put in charge of formation for the New England Jesuit Province. Barry was the Assistant Director of Novices for the Province (1985-88) when he was named Rector of Boston College.

From 1991 to 1997, he served as Provincial of the New England Jesuits. Following that, he was named co-director of the Jesuit Tertianship Program. Barry directs retreats at Campion Center in Weston, MA.

Despite such a busy and committed life, Barry found the time to write 15 books, including The Practice of Spiritual Direction, God and You, Finding God in All Things, Spiritual Direction and the Encounter with God, Who Do You Say I Am?, With an Everlasting Love, and A Friendship Like No Other.

Barry has the rare ability to present complex spiritual issues in clear, well-written prose. He is one of the most influential Ignatian commentators at work today.

Reviews

[Donna]

As with all of William Barry's books, I get so much out of them with reference to the spiritual life that it's hard to write anything at all. As always Barry's message is that God desires friendship with each of us and that we only have to open ourselves to it.

[Patti Clement]

Barry has a wonderful way with words! Very helpful book for anyone who wants to grow in relationship with God!

[Carolyn]

My pastor suggested this book to help me with meditation with Jesus. It was to help me with visioning Jesus in meditation. I did not finish with meditation or visioning Jesus as I hoped but a very good suggestion book to many topics in your life.

[Tim]

A nice little book in the tradition of ignatian imaginative prayer, using Psalms and gospel stories to guide our interaction with Christ.

[Maria]

Could be good for beginners to take steps toward honesty and intimacy with Christ.

[Jerry Landry]

Wonderful contemplation with this book - very insightful. For Christians examining their prayer life and how they can grown in their spiritual journey, this is a great read.