I have gained useful insights related to fostering the spiritual dimension of my life from any publication that I have read of Henri Nouwen's. He is one of least rigid or dogmatic spiritual writers (written from a Christian faith perspective)whose publications I've read, and he writes in a very accessible way. I feel like I have enriched my life (and hopefully the lives of others!)with each reading of his many publications. I often feel like a am able to go into the day or the week ahead "in a better place" after reading something by (the late) Henri Nouwen.

A favorite among many spiritual meditation books that I have read. I've became a Henri Nouwen groupie since then.

I'm always reading this book. Nouwen never fails to feed my spirit.

Henri Nouwen was one of the clearest thinkers about spirituality I ever met. This book is a treasure. If you read it, you'll want to give it to others.

fabulous daily short reflection. can also subscribe online to have this sent to you by email. Amazes me how spot on these are, just when I need a lift or a pointer.

This book was my 2022 choice of a 365 day devotional. It has helped me avoid straying too far of the path this past year.

Very good daily reminder, together with scripture reading in QT is perfect.

a great gift for graduation, personal reflection

This is the 3rd year I have read a daily meditation book. The first 2 were excerpts from journals, etc., done after the authors were dead. This one Nouwen wrote specifically to be daily meditations. It was absolutely great. I was already a fan of Nouwen, but this was especially well done. Entries were very brief--half page each--covering a wide range of spirituality and also some is specifically Christian.

I'm not sure if I should admit this, but Bread for the Journey is the first year long daily devotion book I've every completed all the way through.

With others, I've liked the daily reflections well enough, but somehow they really didn't grab me deeply. Nouwen, on the other hand, manages to gain my full attention in just a couple paragraphs - sometimes with just a sentence.

This is a wonderful devotional book. These are not excerpts as many daily devotional books are but rather readings written specifically for this book.

Please order this right now.

Wanted to share my favorite of many simple, yet profound words from Nouwen.

July 8th - Wounded Healers

“Nobody escapes being wounded. We are all wounded people, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. The main question is not “How can we hide our wounds?” so we don’t have to be embarrassed but “How can we put our woundedness in the service of others?” When our wounds cease to be a source of shame and become a source of healing, we have become wounded healers.

Jesus is God’s wounded healer: Through his wounds we are healed. Jesus’ suffering and death brought joy and life. His humiliation brought glory, his rejection brought a community of love. As followers of Jesus we can also allow our wounds to bring healing to others.”

July 8th just so happened to be the first of nine days, where I’d share my story with 500+ people. I was scared, anxious, yet hopeful it would be used for the glory of Jesus. Just after reading this and before sharing, I had the best cry I’ve ever had. Relieving the weight I’d held for so long; as I was reminded to let go, trust, and breathe. Thankful the Lord knows just what we need when we need it. I know I’ll need this reminder many more times, and I will continue cling to this truth; and I encourage you to do the same.