This book will provide readers with an experience in spiritual direction with Nouwen, well-known author, priest, and guide. Readings, stories, questions for personal reflection and guided journal inquiry as articulated by Nouwen in his courses are gathered to provide an unparalleled resource on a thoughtful spiritual life.



Henri Nouwen, beloved author, priest and world-famous counsellor and guide, understood the spiritual life as a journey of faith and transformation, that is deepened by accountability, community and relationships. Though he counselled many people during his lifetime, his principles of spiritual direction were never written down. However, two of his longtime students, Michael Christensen and Rebecca Laird, have taken his famous course in spiritual direction and supplemented it with his unpublished writings to create the definitive work on Nouwen’s thoughts about the Christian life. ‘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 ‘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 ‘This is a brilliant addition to Nouwen's canon of work as a writer and will enrich both long-time Nouwen fans and newcomers to his wisdom.’ Publishers Weekly