Spiritual Direction - by Henri J M Nouwen (Paperback)

About the Book

Stories, readings, and questions for personal reflection are featured in this work from a beloved author on how to live a deep spiritual life in communion with others.

From the Back Cover

Henri Nouwen--beloved author, priest, and internationally recognized spiritual master, counselor, and guide--offers gentle wisdom for universal questions of the spiritual life:

Who am I?
Where have I been and where am I going?
Who is God for me?
Where do I belong?
How can I be of service?

As a priest, pastor, and professor of spirituality at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard, Nouwen offered spiritual direction to many students, but his famous course on spiritual direction was never recorded during his lifetime. Now, in Spiritual Direction, the first of a series, one of Nouwen's students (Michael Christensen) and one of his editors (Rebecca Laird) have developed his courses and practice of spiritual direction into a book of profound wisdom for living a deep spiritual life.

Review Quotes

"Everyone who knew Henri Nouwen knew that his spirit was too large, too life-giving to be defeated by death. This book is proof positive that his spirit lives on, offering many who never met Henri a chance to meet him now." - Parker J. Palmer, author of A Hidden Wholeness, Let Your Life Speak, and The Courage to Teach.
"The insights and practices for spiritual direction that this book has gathered and interpreted are a luminous guide to those whose journey of Spirit has been shaped by the writing and presence of Henri Nouwen, as well as to any who are participating in spiritual direction." - Elizabeth Nordquist, Associate Professor of Spirituality, San Francisco Theological Seminary/Southern California
"Read this book and you will understand why I chose Henri Nouwen as a companion on my own spiritual journey." - Bill Moyers
"Nouwen is enduringly popular, and this adaptation of his insights should give new application to his writing for both individuals and communities." - Library Journal
"What makes Nouwen so compelling to read is that he deals with spiritual issues common to all of humanity, while speaking freely of his own struggles." - Dallas Morning News
"Along with rich storytelling and moments of sharp insight, Nouwen offers a structured and highly disciplined approach to spiritual direction, not so much anchored in method as in meditation and surrender... Nouwen's gift is to shatter the barriers between God and ourselves, inviting us to come home again like prodigals." - America Magazine
"Spiritual Direction is a powerfully evocative book, beautifully weaving together original material from Henri Nouwen with the authors' own creative insights. Both the structure of the book and the writing take us on a journey that is both fresh and profoundly helpful. It is uniquely positioned to be both a powerful addition to the literature on spiritual direction and a beautiful reflection on the spiritual life for all people. Rebecca and Michael offer a wonderful blend of scholarship, pastoral care, and good writing!" - Jeff Imbach, president, Henri Nouwen Society Canada