Way of the Heart [Mass Market Paperback]

Henri J. M. Nouwen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 12, 1985

The wisdom of Henri J.M. Nouwen:
SOLITUDE
"In solitude we become compassionate people, deeply aware of our solidarity in brokenness with all of humanity and ready to reach out to anyone in need . . ."
SILENCE
"Silence first makes us pilgrims. Secondly, silence guards the fire within. Thirdly, silence teaches us how to speak . . ."
PRAYER
"Prayer, when we are faithful to it and practice it at regular times, slowly leads us to an experience of rest and opens us to God's active presence . . ."

Editorial Reviews

Review

“In these increasingly more sound polluted and frenetic years, Henri Nouwen’s simple words about the prayer of the heart will be helpful for all who seek to turn from the complex wiles of the world to the simplicity of the love of God.”
–MADELEINE L’ENGLE --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

The wisdom of Henri J.M. Nouwen:
SOLITUDE
"In solitude we become compassionate people, deeply aware of our solidarity in brokenness with all of humanity and ready to reach out to anyone in need . . ."
SILENCE
"Silence first makes us pilgrims. Secondly, silence guards the fire within. Thirdly, silence teaches us how to speak . . ."
PRAYER
"Prayer, when we are faithful to it and practice it at regular times, slowly leads us to an experience of rest and opens us to God's active presence . . ."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 7th printing edition (July 12, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345329597
• ISBN-13: 978-0345329592
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #878,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Henri Nouwen was born in Holland in 1932 and ordained a Catholic priest in 1957. He obtained his doctorandus in psychology from Nijmegen University in the Netherlands and taught at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard. He experienced the monastic life with Trappist monks at the Abbey of the Genesee, lived among the poor in Latin America with the Maryknoll missioners, and was interested and active in numerous causes related to social justice. After a lifetime of seeking, Henri Nouwen finally found his home in Canada, as pastor of L'Arche Daybreak - where people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers live together in community.

Henri Nouwen wrote over 40 books on spirituality and the spiritual life that have sold millions of copies and been translated into dozens of languages. His vision of spirituality was broad and inclusive, and his compassion embraced all of humankind.

He died in 1996. His work and his spirit live on.

Henri Nouwen pronounced his name "Henry Now-en." For more information on his life and work, please visit www.henrinouwen.org .

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've ever read, October 4, 2001

By 

Brook Boddie (Shreveport, LA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Way of the Heart (Mass Market Paperback)

This book was my first introduction to Nouwen, and if his other books are anything like this one, I believe that I've stumbled on one of the greatest Christian writers ever. This little paperback contains some of the greatest, most basic truths Christianity, silence, solitude, and prayer, and reminds us that in the practice of these simple truths that we can find the true essence of God and of our relationship to Him. Through the example of the desert fathers, Nouwen reminds us that secrets to a more fulfilling life are found not in the number of books we read, the number of extracurricular activities we participate in, or even in the number of church services we attend. True peace with God can be found in the simplicity of quietness, silent devotion, and the willingness to be still and listen for God to speak. For those who are caught up in lives that never slow down or never take time to stop and rest, this book is for them. For those who are looking for a simpler, more genuine way to practice their faith, this book is for them. And, for those who are in the midst of the valley or whose journey of faith is at a dead end, this book will provide refreshing insight and will hopefully lead the way back to fellowship with the Almighty. Wherever you are in your walk with God, this book will surely become one of your all-time favorites as it has mine.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The pathway to God, June 24, 1998

By 

Thomas J. Campbell "Tom" (Albany, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Way of the Heart (Mass Market Paperback)

Modern Christians can benefit from this insightful little book as the author describes three essential disciplines for spiritual growth. The very word "discipline" will turn many people away from this book and the message it delivers and this is unfortunate. Rather than becoming a burden, the excercise of solitude, silence, and prayer are actually life living and refreshing. When we excercise these disciplines we enter into a new and intimate walk with God that transforms both our daily walk and our witness to others. From our excercise of these arts God is able to work in our souls to purify and soften us and to bring us to true compassion and wisdom. I found that to get the most value from it I had to read it in small segments and then meditate on it for a few days. Highly recommended.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've ever read, December 22, 2001

By 

C. Vandu "Chippla Vandu" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Way of the Heart (Mass Market Paperback)

Nine years ago when I was still a teenager, I obtained this book from my late Parish Priest in Yola, Nigeria. Hardly had I started reading it when I realised it was speaking to me as a person. Nouwen's introduction to the life of the Desert Fathers and the role Silence, Solitude and Prayer can have on our lives is thought provoking. This book has affected me in the most positive of ways. It is for everyone, for those busy with work, for those who go to Church, for those who frequent the bars...evreyone. This book would introduce a peaceful and calm spirituality to you - I highly recommend it and would not hesistate to give it a 10 star!!