'Spiritual formation, I have come to believe, is not about steps or stages on the way to perfection. It's about the movements from the mind to the heart through prayer in its many forms that reunite us with God, each other, and our truest selves.' Henri Nouwen, from the introduction Henri Nouwen, beloved author, priest and spiritual guide, counseled many people during his lifetime, but his principles of spiritual formation were never written down. Now, Michael Christensen, one of Nouwen's longtime students, and Rebecca Laird have taken his famous course in spiritual formation and supplemented it with his unpublished writings to reveal Nouwen's sage advice on how to live out the five classic stages of spiritual development. 'I always knew I was in the presence of a spiritual master when I was with Henri Nouwen. Here are some simple, wise words that will allow the master to continue to teach.' Richard Rohr, author of The Divine Dance 'One of the book's many strengths is its integration of an area especially important to Nouwen, the contemplation of icons and other works of art - visio divina - in order 'to behold the beauty of the Lord'.' Jim Forest, author of Praying with Icons and The Road to Emmaus

About the Author
HENRI NOUWEN (1932-1996) is the author of Reaching Out, The Wounded Healer, Making All Things New and many other spiritual classics. He taught psychology and pastoral theology at Notre Dame, Yale and Harvard universities before becoming senior pastor of L'Arche Daybreak in Toronto, Canada, a community where men and women with mental disabilities and their assistants create a home for one another. Michael J. Christensen, Ph.D., is National Director of Communities of Shalom at Drew University, New Jersey, where he teaches spirituality and practical theology. He studied with Henri Nouwen at Yale Divinity School. Rebecca Laird, M.A., D. Min., is director of ministerial formation at Drew University, New Jersey, where she teaches spiritual formation and Christian ministry.

Reviews
I always knew I was in the presence of a spiritual master when I was with Henri Nouwen. Here are some simple, wise words that will allow the master to continue to teach. -- Richard Rohr, author of The Divine Dance
One of the book's many strengths is its integration of an area especially important to Nouwen, the contemplation of icons and other works of art - visio divina - in order 'to behold the beauty of the Lord'. -- Jim Forest, author of Praying with Icons and The Road to Emmaus
Nouwen's gift is rooted in his own self-awareness, which is combined with a faith that locates God in the heart. So he writes with great gentleness, drawing on stories, visual meditation, and personal expereince, to prompt inner reflection that will act as a spur to outward transformation. * Church Times *
Fr Henri Nouwen . . . made a huge contribution in the area of Christian spirituality . . . [This book] reveals a sharp and original mind, open to work of the Holy Spirit. It's a pity he died so young. * New Directions *



Book Information
ISBN 9780281064212
Author Henri Nouwen
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 269g