I am a long-term lover of Nouwen's writing. But this may be my favorite book of all. This was another audiobook for me. But I loved it so much that I am going to get a print copy of my own very soon. I can tell this is one worth re-reading in the years ahead. I like the personal nature of the writing as most of this book is called from his letters to people and insights as a spiritual director. Highly recommend!

It's not Nouwen at his best, probably because this wasn't written as a cohesive book. Having read books that were sources for this one means sections feel repetitive at points, and Nouwen's hermeneutics are jarringly bad at a couple of points.

Excellent insight into spiritual direction.

A classic

I loved this book. Henri Nouwen is humble, insightful and authentic. Like few other writers, he offers himself to us. His reflection on writing as a spiritual discipline was particularly inspiring.

4.5 stars ⭐️
I am a fan of Henri Nouwen and the way he views life and the spiritual. This book, while named “Spiritual Direction”, is about so much more. It is filled with encouragement and lots of good little nuggets for the one who wants to walk in faith for the remainder of their life.

Best to slowly read small sections at a time...reminds us that we suffer from a fear of empty space, finding it hard to give up our work and preoccupations to create empty space...we fear the voice of God, not sure we would want to go in the direction God may call us to go. Reminds us the Bible is not primarily a book of info about God, but of formation of our hearts. Gave helpful methods of praying, meditating on scripture, and journaling. Author reminds us that all humans are limited in giving the level of love and acceptance we all crave, so we must keep forgiving people (spouses, parents, friends, etc.) The author taught psychology and pastoral theology at Harvard & Yale before becoming a senior pastor at a Canadian community for adults with mental disabilities. Last part of book defines our ministry to help people and other disciplines of spiritual life...now to live more accordingly to what I've read and learned...

This is a great primer in spiritual direction. Most useful if you have already experienced direction in some form , wether individual or group. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter are very helpful, as are the stories, practical suggestions, theological basis and personal experiences from Henri’s well documented life. If you are an avid Nouwen reader, add this one to your collection.

This author is legitimately wise. He’s so prolific that there is some repetition, but it mostly serves a useful reinforcement function. The epilogue of this book was particularly intriguing as it suggested Nouwen was starting to ask new questions about old assumptions toward the end of his life. This willingness to be open and vulnerable is what makes his work hold up through the years.

I have yet to read anything by Henri Nouwen that I didn't love. He is so transparent in his struggles and moved thru life very honestly examining his sin. Great book on everyday struggle as well as living in community ("The Road to Daybreak" is another favorite of his along these lines.)

This is an incredible book, and while not long, is chock full of great stuff. I read it purposefully slow, so that I could really chew on all that was written. Highly recommend this one!

A compilation of Nouwen's wisdom on spiritual direction. I love Nouwen. There are great questions which draw me to God. This book is about spiritual formation, but as always I am called by the still small voice to my first love.