Hospitality—The Sacred Art: Discovering the Hidden Spiritual Power of Invitation and Welcome

In the insightful latest installment of the Art of Spiritual Living series, Presbyterian pastor Sawyer suggests that practicing hospitality can be “transformative.” Sawyer’s notion of her subject is capacious: though she writes about extending hospitality to grandparents, neighbors and friends, she is also interested in hospitable relationships with God, oneself and even with creation. Ultimately, she calls for readers to do more than simply have people over for a meal (though sharing food is one hospitable practice she encourages); rather, she wants people to invite others into deep, real relationships. Thus, intentionality and attentiveness underpin her conception of hospitality. We should pay attention to “what is really going on inside of us” and listen carefully when in conversation with other people. Sawyer moves from the theoretical and theological (“hospitality to God is circular… because when we welcome God we find that we ourselves are deeply welcomed into God”) to the practical (centering prayer can foster a hospitable relationship with God; making museum or picnic dates with yourself is a way to practice hospitality to self). She writes with a deeply ecumenical bent, drawing on Thich Nhat Hahn, Swami Anantananda, Gandhi and Lao Tsu. This small book will be a blessing to many people. (Feb.)