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A Call to Joy - Living in the Presence of God
In the last five years more than one million people in forty-six counties have attended Matthew Kelly's talks, retreats, and seminars. Millions more have been touched by his writings and appearances on major radio and television programs worldwide. Young, charismatic, and extraordinarily engaging, Matthew Kelly comes to the aid of a generation desperately searching for some meaning in life deeper than the pursuit of material things. Exploring the challenges of our modern world, he brilliantly puts into context the unchanging truths and teachings of Jesus Christ. In A Call to Joy, he shares both his remarkable personal story and his uniquely inspiring insights on faith, love, and the trials and triumphs of the spiritual life.
204 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1997
45 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Kelly
188 books1,402 followersMatthew Kelly is a best-selling author, speaker, thought leader, entrepreneur, consultant, spiritual leader, and innovator.
He has dedicated his life to helping people and organizations become the-best-version-of-themselves. Born in Sydney, Australia, he began speaking and writing in his late teens while he was attending business school. Since that time, 5 million people have attended his seminars and presentations in more than 50 countries.
Today, Kelly is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and business consultant. His books have been published in more than 30 languages, have appeared on The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller lists, and have sold more than 50 million copies.
In his early-twenties he developed "the-best-version-of-yourself" concept and has been sharing it in every arena of life for more than twenty-five years. It is quoted by presidents and celebrities, athletes and their coaches, business leaders and innovators, though perhaps it is never more powerfully quoted than when a mother or father asks a child, "Will that help you become the-best-version-of-yourself?"
Kelly's personal interests include golf, music, art, literature, investing, spirituality, and spending time with his wife, Meggie, and their children Walter, Isabel, Harry, Ralph, and Simon.
He has dedicated his life to helping people and organizations become the-best-version-of-themselves. Born in Sydney, Australia, he began speaking and writing in his late teens while he was attending business school. Since that time, 5 million people have attended his seminars and presentations in more than 50 countries.
Today, Kelly is an internationally acclaimed speaker, author, and business consultant. His books have been published in more than 30 languages, have appeared on The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller lists, and have sold more than 50 million copies.
In his early-twenties he developed "the-best-version-of-yourself" concept and has been sharing it in every arena of life for more than twenty-five years. It is quoted by presidents and celebrities, athletes and their coaches, business leaders and innovators, though perhaps it is never more powerfully quoted than when a mother or father asks a child, "Will that help you become the-best-version-of-yourself?"
Kelly's personal interests include golf, music, art, literature, investing, spirituality, and spending time with his wife, Meggie, and their children Walter, Isabel, Harry, Ralph, and Simon.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 5, 2019
Since I am a huge Matthew Kelly fan, I totally enjoyed this book. It is one of his older ones, written when he was younger, but still packs lots of advice. There are so many good ideas, it is difficult to know where to begin.
First, it is not necessary to be Catholic or even a Christian to gain much benefit from his book, but it probably helps. He uses stories of his own experiences, as well as those that are created, such as fables or parables. He discusses the benefit of silence [STOP the noise!]; focusing on what you have rather than what you don't have; positive thinking; distinguishing truth from falsehood; and so much more.
The book is down to earth [no pun intended], understandable and helpful to anyone who devotes the time to read it.
First, it is not necessary to be Catholic or even a Christian to gain much benefit from his book, but it probably helps. He uses stories of his own experiences, as well as those that are created, such as fables or parables. He discusses the benefit of silence [STOP the noise!]; focusing on what you have rather than what you don't have; positive thinking; distinguishing truth from falsehood; and so much more.
The book is down to earth [no pun intended], understandable and helpful to anyone who devotes the time to read it.
November 3, 2022
Matthew Kelly's first book, Call to Joy, is a wonderful study of how God speaks to each of us in our lives and how we respond to him. Inspired by his own personal story of hearing God's Call to Joy, the author takes us through a spiritual journey that shares God's message in a straightforward way.
I read this book entirely while sitting in my car during soccer practice, carpool, etc. Knowing the book was sitting in the car waiting for me encouraged me to leave early just so I could sit in the car and read for a longer period of time. Matthew's writing is beautifully comforting, peaceful, uplifting and encouraging. We can all learn to listen to God's call for our lives. If we make prayer a priority in our lives and put God first, we will hear the message of Joy that He wants all of us to hear.
I'm notorious for talking a lot and constantly surround myself with noise throughout the day, so Chapter 6 - Silence & the Presence of God - really struck home. Matthew points out that silence is necessary to be close to God. "Silence increases our receptivity of God's grace." Silence is something I struggle with.
In addition to silence, we are called to put God first in our lives and use prayer to find joy. Prayer needs to be a priority every morning that sets our day in perspective, and every evening to reflect God's influence throughout the day.
This is one of those books I want to reread every few years, because A Call to Joy is a spiritual exercise to enrich our prayer lives and bring us closer to God. Through his writing, Matthew Kelly teaches us how to recognize God's presence within us.
I read this book entirely while sitting in my car during soccer practice, carpool, etc. Knowing the book was sitting in the car waiting for me encouraged me to leave early just so I could sit in the car and read for a longer period of time. Matthew's writing is beautifully comforting, peaceful, uplifting and encouraging. We can all learn to listen to God's call for our lives. If we make prayer a priority in our lives and put God first, we will hear the message of Joy that He wants all of us to hear.
I'm notorious for talking a lot and constantly surround myself with noise throughout the day, so Chapter 6 - Silence & the Presence of God - really struck home. Matthew points out that silence is necessary to be close to God. "Silence increases our receptivity of God's grace." Silence is something I struggle with.
In addition to silence, we are called to put God first in our lives and use prayer to find joy. Prayer needs to be a priority every morning that sets our day in perspective, and every evening to reflect God's influence throughout the day.
This is one of those books I want to reread every few years, because A Call to Joy is a spiritual exercise to enrich our prayer lives and bring us closer to God. Through his writing, Matthew Kelly teaches us how to recognize God's presence within us.
February 10, 2012
A good beginner's book on the spiritual life. Matthew Kelly provides real life application of religious concepts and encouragement for the spiritual journey. Personally, although I agreed with him, I finished wanting a little more. I felt that Kelly only skimmed the surface and was slightly repetitive throughout the book. I do realize that this book is one of his earlier writings, however, and that he was able to deepen and expand in his later books, such as The Seven Levels of Intimacy or The Rhythm of Life. Overall, I do recommend this book if you are looking for a light, spiritual read with a few encouraging tips.
June 13, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from who happens to be my favorite author, Matthew Kelly!!! I loved the message this book instituted of being open to God's will in your life and praying to God every day, and therefore being rewarded by being worthy to live in Heaven with him forever!!!
June 21, 2017
It may have taken me some time to complete the book. It had nothing to do with the content. The book was excellent, and I believe everyone should read y
It. Mr. Kelly brings a lot of truth to light, and he opened my mind and heart to change my outlook on prayer and meditation. This I believe is a good read for 7th graders on up to read. We our loosing the faith of our youth, and what better way to help them understand the power of prayer and having a daily talk with God. As I have matured and have dealt with a number of struggles throughout my life, our perceptions on prayer changes. If someone would have told me what Mr. Kelly states in this book years earlier, a lot less anxiety, stress, and worry could have been avoided. Having trust in God is just so very important, and reading this has helped me understand it much better. Thank you for writing this book!
It. Mr. Kelly brings a lot of truth to light, and he opened my mind and heart to change my outlook on prayer and meditation. This I believe is a good read for 7th graders on up to read. We our loosing the faith of our youth, and what better way to help them understand the power of prayer and having a daily talk with God. As I have matured and have dealt with a number of struggles throughout my life, our perceptions on prayer changes. If someone would have told me what Mr. Kelly states in this book years earlier, a lot less anxiety, stress, and worry could have been avoided. Having trust in God is just so very important, and reading this has helped me understand it much better. Thank you for writing this book!
April 14, 2018
You don’t have to be Catholic to learn from this book. However to get the most out of the teaching, it helps to have faith in God. He breaks down the elements of the “mundane life” and reveals that everything, when seen through the lens of God’s grace, is a miraculous wonder. Could be paired with Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley. They both talk the majesty of nature in a way that’ll change your perspective on this everyday miracle.
September 7, 2017
Very transformative
You can tell this was Kelly's capstone project. He said he spent 4 years writing it and the hard work paid off. I've read most of his work and I highlighted more sections of this book than his others. A book for anyone who wants true lasting joy
You can tell this was Kelly's capstone project. He said he spent 4 years writing it and the hard work paid off. I've read most of his work and I highlighted more sections of this book than his others. A book for anyone who wants true lasting joy
June 7, 2025
Anything that I read that is by Matthew Kelly is great. He explains things that pertain to the things of today in this world. Just by reminding us to always set time aside for prayer and to talk with Jesus single day.
September 8, 2017
Matthew Kelly is a theologian of the simple. I mean that in a good way. He has a populist touch with practical tips for all Christians.
July 22, 2018
He’s such a thought provoking writer. I really enjoy and can apply his reads.
August 5, 2020
Very insightful, puts life in perspective of the eternal, and contains concrete advice (like scheduling and using ones gifts)
November 4, 2021
This book is very disjointed, and cliche. I found some theology questionable. I decided not to finish reading it.
February 14, 2013
A great book for focusing on living in the presence of God! I loved all the different stories he used to make his point. I'd really like to give this 4.5 stars because I enjoyed the book so much, but it wasn't perfect. I found that a lot of stuff was repetitive, like many other reviewers said, so for that I took off a star. I think some of his points could have been made in a more concise manner, but other than that it was a good read, and I'd definitely recommend it to others looking to enrich their faith.
May 15, 2015
I read this book as soon as it came out, and was very impressed with the potential it had to interest teens and young adults in pursuing a relationship with God. Almost as soon as I finished reading it, I gave it away to a mum whose son needed to hear what Matthew Kelly was sharing in this book. The book is particularly valuable because you can give it to unchurched or barely-churched young people, and they will find it an engaging read - especially if they have begun their own search for the meaning of life.
August 7, 2015
Great basic read about the beauty of Christianity, specifically Catholicism.
I'm giving it only three stars because the publishing company needs to change the cover photo. I understand it is the author at the age he wrote the book, but it is too dated, a turnoff to those who would find the most value in the book.
I'm giving it only three stars because the publishing company needs to change the cover photo. I understand it is the author at the age he wrote the book, but it is too dated, a turnoff to those who would find the most value in the book.
February 9, 2016
Enlightening
Absolutely a fantastic guide to loving Life filled with Joy. It really gives you some great perspective and a new paradigm with which to see the world and your own purpose in it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who is soul searching and lost in he noise of today's society.
Absolutely a fantastic guide to loving Life filled with Joy. It really gives you some great perspective and a new paradigm with which to see the world and your own purpose in it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who is soul searching and lost in he noise of today's society.
December 8, 2008
A valuable book recommended by a Church lady. Actually very good. read it 15 minutes a day, it's not those books that you can engulf in a day or two.
December 18, 2015
Great place to begin. Easily to breeze through. Merits reading again.
November 13, 2015
Good spiritual read that lives up to its title...
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January 5, 2016I enjoyed the book. Very inspirational.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews