Deep Conversion, Deep Prayer

By: Thomas Dubay

Narrated by: Kevin O'Brien

Father Thomas Dubay is one of the most popular and respected retreat masters and spiritual directors in the US. He is the author of the perennial best-selling book on prayer and contemplation, Fire Within. In this audiobook, he responds to the call to priests by both Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI to help believers and all those interested in spirituality to develop a deeper prayer life and union with God.

As in his other popular writings, Dubay’s style is profound and meditative, yet clear and readable. He gives an overview of the spiritual life and journey for anyone seeking to grow in the love of God and neighbor. An expert on the teachings and writings of the two great mystical doctors of prayer and the spiritual life, Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross, Dubay gives solid, practical advice for a deepening moral and spiritual conversion, and a radical growth in holiness.

Topics covered in depth in this audiobook include:

• The radical conversion
• Relevance and motivation
• Conversion and genuine love
• Degrees of depth
• Remarkable resistance
• Called to the heights
• Sure-fire program

©2006 Ignatius Press (P)2023 Ignatius Press

A Valuable Addition to the Faithful Catholic’s Spiritual Life

I liked the overall simplicity of approach, particularly the 7 B’s framework. I generally try to take a nugget from each spiritual work I read to add to or blend in with my regimen. The “Particular Examen” method (part of “Be Specific “) of overcoming faults and habits will fit in well with the examination of conscience undertaken during Night Prayer. This should be very helpful.

I listened to the audio version of this book because I spend a lot of time commuting in my car. The reader’s tone seemed slightly sarcastic to me and was a bit off putting. But just as we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, nor should we judge an audiobook by the reader’s tone.

I also must quibble slightly with some of what the author writes about confession. At our parish (5 priests), weekly confession is encouraged. One priest, my annual retreat director, told us that it would be difficult to make spiritual progress if we weren’t going at least monthly.

Finally, it’s understandable that priests appreciate brevity in the confessional. Nonetheless, some sins are hard to confess and a certain amount of stammering and circumlocution must be expected, particularly from those who don’t make frequent confessions. The book struck an unsympathetic note at this juncture.

Overall, I do recommend the book but it would perhaps be better to get the written version if one has the time.

No frills guide to deep conversion

Read this book to understand the simple steps to a deep conversion with Christ.
No frills. No fluff.