I immediately read this book twice in a row while I was on retreat. I loved it. It has many very helpful, accessible ideas on what prayer is and how it functions. It certainly was one of those magical books that appeared and explained things at the exact moment I needed them to be explained. Also, it is pretty short, so one could easily quickly read it, although I believe it very much urges reflection.

I picked up this book on the free table, and it's fine for that situation. Not sure I would pay for a copy. It's nice words, sometimes thought-provoking, a little bit challenging depending on your mindset. Good thoughts on prayer, maybe something to look at in a group or excerpt to lead into meditation or prayer. My edition had some groovy 70s/60s photos. I will be copying down some quotes before I pass it along.

Henri Nouwen is a baller. That’s the first thing you should know. Secondly, love this book because it reminds you that prayer is asking you to be dependent and vulnerable with your requests to God. For me, I think one of the challenges of being a Christian is being misunderstood when I choose to put my trust in Him fully with each aspect of my life. Nouwen points out that “praying demands poverty, that is, the readiness to live a life in which you have nothing to lose so that you can always begin afresh.” Love love love that perspective.

This is a reprint of a 1972 publication. In tandem with those times, it is introspective, an invitation to explore one's spirituality, specifically prayer life. I'll admit: it was a bookshelf sitter book for quite some time. It is deceptively simple...just a little over 100 pages and plenty of black and white photos. It could be a "gift book" for someone who is seeking, questioning their faith. Basically, it is pray and follow the paths whereby you are led. Keep your hands and heart and mind open; you will find the guidance you seek.

This contains some really helpful reflections on prayer. I had a bit of trouble with his view on dreams (page 41) as well as a few other minor points. But, as usual, I always appreciate reading Nouwen and I am very thankful for the loving contributions that he left for Christians to read and be nourished by.

Just loved this book. Will reread later. Very meaningful.

Wow - a Nouwen book I hadn't read? Beautiful... it's about prayer. Starts with an image of clenched fist and what we hold on to, and moves into prayers of acceptance, silence, hope, compassion.

Beautiful.

Excellent!

Small book on prayer that really made me think about how opening myself to God works to help me grow and love.

This is one of those sparsely written books you come back to again and again, each time mining more gems and pearls of wisdom. I’m going to put it down for about a month and come back to it with a pencil and highlighter so as to track and point out some of the ideas I pick up with each re-read.

It was OK. The writing style wasn't for me. It felt like there is a lot of wisdom/truth here, but I need context or vignettes to illustrate them for it to settle into my brain. I need specifics to illustrate the abstract.

5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
تطبيق عملي جدًا للآية:
"وَلاَ تُشَاكِلُوا هذَا الدَّهْرَ، بَلْ تَغَيَّرُوا عَنْ شَكْلِكُمْ بِتَجْدِيدِ أَذْهَانِكُمْ، لِتَخْتَبِرُوا مَا هِيَ إِرَادَةُ اللهِ: الصَّالِحَةُ الْمَرْضِيَّةُ الْكَامِلَةُ." (رو 12: 2)
كُتيب صغير يدور حول ماهية الصلاة وكيفية إيجاد الصلاة الحقيقية بداخلنا وتمريرها للآخرين بالمحبة