Collection of Nouwen excerpts relating to prayer. Thought provoking, inciting the reader to examine his or her own prayer life

It was a great book to just remind yourself what it is all about. Conversing with God in every aspect of life.

However, I found myself praying less and more focused on the materials in the book. Felt like GTD books where you are so focused on how to GTD you forget to just GTD. lol.

So a quick note to those who are reading the book. READ it. Don't lose sleep over it. Stop thinking and just go enjoy praying to God :)

It's been my daily devotions - on again off again for two or three years, and I will probably return to it often as I have done. Nouwen manages to speak to my inner self about how and why I pray, and does it in a manner that I can absorb. He inspires praying as a part of being.

The ‘Only Necessary Thing' is one fine book that I wished did not end.

Henry Nouwen is a contemporary theologian, philosopher that I would consider in the ranks of CS Lewis, Chesterton, Merton etc.

The book is about living a prayerful life with real nerve raking thoughts and exhortations to consider faith in Christ as the norm and a necessity to live a meaningful, content life. I read it at a very slow pace pausing every now and then to embellish the discussions while enjoying the truth. It felt so good.

Of his 40 plus books I have read a few earlier. This book is a remarkable compilation, collection of thoughts from his many books, nicely presented by one of his students Wendy Geer.

For me, faith is personal and precious. It is one’s choice. One can choose to live without and also with faith. It is tough to say yes to faith because a reasoning mind will judge itself, question itself always. That is my experience.

Spiritual readings such as Nouwen’s book will certainly help whenever we are challenged to choose between the two. An excerpt from the book is an example.

“I am still so divided. I truly want to follow you, but I also want to follow my own desires and lend an ear to the voices that speak about prestige, success, human respect, pleasure, power, and influence. Help me to become deaf to these voices and more attentive to your voice, which calls me to choose the narrow road to life.”

Though the bottom line is, if at all one chooses to pursue faith, it should be of spiritual realm and not bound within religious prescriptions.

The last chapter is a collection of about 15 pages of wonderful prayers. A well thought out way to conclude this fine set of spiritual readings.

Dear God,

Speak gently in my silence. When the loud outer noises of my surroundings and the loud inner noises of my fears keep pulling me away from you, help me to trust that you are still there even when I am unable to hear you.

Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying: “Come to me, you who are overburdened, and I will give you rest… for I am gentle and humble of heart.”

Let that loving voice be my guide.

Amen. — With Open Hands

This compilation of Nouwen quotes and thoughts provides a great supplement to one's devotional time ... or anytime for that matter. His insight into contemplative prayer lived out in the many difficult contexts of his life is a true help for the Christian who wants to go deeper in his/her prayer life.

I have read this book throughout the last year, and it has been so good for my soul. Henri Nouwen is probably my favorite spiritual writer. His words are wise and kind. They help me think about how to extend more grace to others and to myself.

I can't remember if this quote is mentioned in this book or not, but I want to add my favorite Nouwen quote to this review because it is a good summation of his approach:

"Forgiveness is the name of love for those who love poorly, and we all love poorly."

I haven't read many words more powerful than those.

This book has little excerpts from a lot of his books. It is very easy to pick up and read an excerpt and be encouraged! It always feels like you are reading his secret thoughts or journals. It has been an encouragement to me that has been very easy to read in small doses.

God is all we need,no one else.
If you have Him, you have all

Henri Nouwen is one do my favorite authors. I read this on a recommendation shortly after making a retreat. It changed how i approach prayer and living my daily life.

The most influential book on prayer (and the Christian life in general) I have ever read. Beautiful.

Excellent book on prayer. I will be re-reading this book many times. It’s food for the soul.

Excellent, enlightening and informative.