The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence - Nouwen, Henri J. M. Review & Synopsis

 Synopsis

Since its first publication, The Way of the Heart has helped millions of men and women cast off the anger and greed that trouble the world-and find love, compassion, and peace in the heart of God.

 Inspired by the ancient teachings of St. Anthony and the Desert Fathers,The Way of the Heart clears before us a spiritual path consisting of three stepping-stones: Solitude (learning not to be alone but to be alone with God); Silence (the discipline by which the inner fire of God is tended and kept alive); and Prayer (standing in the presence of God with the mind in the heart).

 Distinguished theologian Henri Nouwen brilliantly illuminates each of these disciplines. In reflections that are beautifully clear and practical, as uplifting on the fourth reading as on the first, he helps us separate the wheat from the chaff in our spiritual lives-and reconnects us with what truly matters.

 Within this one small book lies the most relevant and inspiring challenge that we shall ever face: to surrender the compulsive noise of the world for the way of the heart that leads us to God.

Review

Since it was first published more than twenty years ago, "The Way of the Heart has helped millions of men and women cast off the anger and greed that trouble the world-and find love, compassion, and peace in the heart of God. 

Inspired by the ancient teachings of St. Anthony and the Desert Fathers, "The Way of the Heart clears before us a spiritual path consisting of three stepping-stones: Solitude (learning not to be alone but to be alone with God); Silence (the discipline by which the inner fire of God is tended and kept alive); and Prayer (standing in the presence of God with the mind in the heart). 

Distinguished theologian Henri Nouwen brilliantly illuminates each of these disciplines. In reflections that are beautifully clear and practical, as uplifting on the fourth reading as on the first, he helps us separate the wheat from the chaff in our spiritual lives-and reconnects us with what truly matters. 

Within this one small book lies the most relevant and inspiring challenge that we shall ever face: to surrender the compulsive noise of the world for the way of the heart that leads us to God."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

The Way of the Heart

The modern classic that interweaves the solitude, silence, and prayer of the fourth- and fifth-century Egyptian Desert Fathers and Mothers with our contemporary search for an authentic spirituality

The modern classic that interweaves the solitude, silence, and prayer of the fourth- and fifth-century Egyptian Desert Fathers and Mothers with our contemporary search for an authentic spirituality"

Let's Look Together

Desert Wisdom , xiv. 4. Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island (Boston: Shambhala, 2005), 137. 5. Henri J. M. Nouwen , The Way of the Heart : Connecting with God through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence (New York: Ballantine, 2003), 30. 6."

The Power of Silence

Millions of readers worldwide have treasured the visionary brilliance of Carlos Castaneda, who first explore the world of the Yaqui Indian sorcerer in The Teachings of don Juan. Now, at last, don Juan returns in The Power of Silence -- wise, infuriating, capable or working miracles and playing practical jokes, but always seeking the wisdom of the warrior. The Power of Silence is Castaneda's most astonishing book to date -- a brilliant flash of knowledge that illuminates the far reaches of the human mind. Through don Juan's mesmerizing stories, the true meaning of sorcery and magic is finally revealed. Honed in the desert of Sonora, the visions of don Juan give us the vital secrets of belief and self-realization that are transcendental and valid for us all. It is Castaneda's unique genius to show us that all wisdom, strength, and power lie within ourselves -- unleashed with marvelous energy and imaginative force in the teachings of don Juan -- and in the writings of his famous pupil, Carlos Castaneda

The Power of Silence is Castaneda's most astonishing book to date -- a brilliant flash of knowledge that illuminates the far reaches of the human mind."

Soul Care in African American Practice

Spiritual director and pastor Barbara Peacock illustrates how the practices of spiritual formation are woven into African American culture and lived out in the rich heritage of its faith community. Using the examples of ten significant men and women, Barbara helps us engage in practices of soul care as we learn from these spiritual leaders.

Nelson, Alan E. Spirituality and Leadership: Harnessing the Wisdom , Guidance, and Power of the Soul. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2002. Nouwen , Henri J. M. The Way of the Heart : Connecting with God Through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence ..."

Worship Quest

Worship Quest serves as a guide to understanding foundational questions about worship and leading in worship. Worship Quest offers a practical perspective on four roles of worship leadership and how they are to be fulfilled within various worship gatherings. For those called to lead in worship as well as those tasked in hiring worship leaders, it is important to understand the roles of worship leadership. Worship Quest helps readers come to understand the different worship gatherings and the various roles of worship leadership, and thus successfully fulfill God's call of leading in worship.

The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God's Call to Justice. ... Nouwen , henri J.M. In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. ... The Way of the Heart : Connecting With God Through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence ."

Worship Formation

Worship Formation provides a thoughtful perspective on Christian worship and addresses how each element within a worship service spiritually forms the worshiper. Brooks challenges the reader toward an understanding that worshiping through music, prayer, Scripture reading, Communion, sermon, stillness, giving, and baptism engages the worshiper in spiritual formation. Worship Formation encourages the worshiper to not just go through the motions when they gather for worship, but to realize that they are being formed through each element of worship, and challenges those in leadership to be thoughtful in their approach to planning and leading worship services.

Guinness, Os. No God but God : Breaking with the Idols of Our Age. ... Nouwen , Henri J. M. In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. ... The Way of the Heart : Connecting with God Through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence ."

The Voice of God Project

A modern spiritual journey chronicles the lessons of the fruit of the spirit during a trying time in the author's life. Not only is his personal life changing with a growing family, but the world around him seems to change rapidly. As he listens for the Voice of God to clearly lay out the character of God, he shares his struggles with living faithfully and keeping his Christianity relevant. All of this culminates into one story that interprets love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-governance in a way never done before.

Walden, or, Life in the Woods. London: J.M. ... Pirsig, Robert M. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values. ... Nouwen , Henri J.M. The Way of the Heart : Connecting with God through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence ."

Reconnect

Protect your time. Prioritize relationships. Restore your spirit. Technology teaches us to crave the hum and buzz of activity and the dopamine hit of notifications. Yet social media and technology have shortened our attention spans, disrupted our connections with others, and even muddled our spirituality. In Reconnect, contemplative author and retreat leader Ed Cyzewski investigates the crisis of attention that is leading to mental health challenges and extending to our souls. Yet the Christian contemplative tradition—deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions and practices of the church—offers a way forward, grinding the gears of this frenetic activity and thinking to an unspectacular halt. For all its benefits and promises, technology trains its users to pursue the exact opposite of contemplative prayer practices every day, claims Cyzewski. Grounded in current research into the impact of technology, Reconnect helps Christians rewire their technology addictions and train themselves to be present and aware of God rather than tuned into the constant distractions and deceptions of this digital age. When phones go dark and social media feeds stop scrolling, can we step into a deeper stillness and presence with an always present God?

Chapter 4 Henri J. M. Nouwen , e Way of the Heart : Connecting with God through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence (New York: Seabury, 1981), 25–26. 1 Bob Smietana, “Most Churches Offer Wi-Fi but Skip Twitter,” LifeWay Research, January 9, ..."

Kiwi on the Camino

What is it that is motivating thousands of people to leave behind the comfort and securities of home, put heavy boots on their feet and a pack on their backs, and head off to walk the route known as the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, following in the footsteps of the hundreds of thousands of people who have walked the Camino down through the centuries? In 2014, Vivianne Flintoff took an extended leave of absence from her place of employment to walk both the Camino de Santiago and the Camino Finisterre. With her husband, Bruce, she began the seven-week, nine-hundred-kilometer (five hundred miles) walk at St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France, crossed the Pyrenees, and walked the French route to Santiago de Compostela. Two days later, Vivianne and Bruce put their boots and packs back on and headed off to walk the remaining one hundred kilometers (sixty-eight miles) to Finisterre on the Atlantic Coast, to the beach where legend has it that St. James preached and to where his disciples brought back his decapitated body. In Kiwi on the Camino: A Walk that Changed My Life, Vivianne courageously, honestly, and with humor tells of the pain, (she badly sprained her left ankle just three days before beginning the Camino), fears, anxieties, challenges, fun, and friendships encountered along the Way of St. James. Her life is radically changed at the completion of this epic walk. Viviannes meditations shine light upon her inner criticisms, and gradually, with each step, she lets go of self-judgment and becomes self-compassionate. Vivianne comes to a place of life transformation, where she is no longer prepared to live a highly stressed life. Her journey speaks to the many people struggling to juggle the complex demands that a contemporary life requires.

 Nouwen , Henri . J. M. 1981. The Way of the Heart : Connecting with God through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence . NY: Ballantine Books. O'Donohue, John. 1998. Eternal Echoes: Exploring our Hunger to Belong. London, UK: Bantam Press."

Messages From An Illness

When Ruth Skaggs was diagnosed with cancer, she recognized that there was a larger purpose at work. There were meanings to be gleaned from the illness, and she committed herself to learning what truths were waiting to be revealed. Using her daily routine of reading Scripture followed by contemplative prayer, she was bombarded by messages from God. Skaggs explains how the profound insights from the messages helped her to move through the journey from illness to recovery. Skaggs shares how she used her knowledge and experience as a licensed professional counselor, with specializations in music psychotherapy and expressive arts therapy, to complement her medical treatments. She provides suggestions that will help others to incorporate music and expressive arts in their own healing journeys. In Messages from an Illness, Ruth Skaggs’ first words got my attention, and I immediately remembered when I heard my own diagnosis sixteen years ago. She and the Spirit moving her led me gently but insistently into the whirlwind of awareness of the all-encompassing reality of cancer. She leads us into the treatment, with its misery and hope, and to the special people our doctors and caregivers become for us. She reminds us of the blessing of family and friends and the importance of faith—even in confusion and protest. She tells her story of her journey with this disease, and in telling, she becomes good company for us when such a journey is ours to make or when it beckons someone we love. She tells and walks with us as one whose hands hold the rod and staff, even in the valley of the shadow. —The Reverend S. Albert Kennington, XV Rector, retired, Trinity Episcopal Church, Mobile, AL; contributor to Forward Movement, The Living Church, and the Anglican Digest.

Deepening Faith Through Cancer Ruth Bankester Skaggs. Chapter 3 Dyson, Thack. 2011. ... Nouwen , Henri J. M. 1981. The Way of the Heart : Connecting with God Through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence . New York: Crossword Publishing Co. 86."

Flee, Be Silent, Pray

What if prayer could be simple rather than strenuous? Anxious, results-driven Christians can never pray enough, serve enough, or study enough. But what if God is calling us not to frenzied activity but to a simple spiritual encounter? What if we must merely receive what God has already given us? In Flee, Be Silent, Pray, writer and contemplative retreat leader Ed Cyzewski guides readers out of the anxiety factory of contemporary Christianity and toward a God whose love astounds those quiet long enough to receive it. With helpful guidance into solitude, contemplative prayer, and practices such as lectio divina and the Examen, Cyzewski guides readers toward the Christ whose yoke is easy and whose burden is light. Ready to shed the fear of the false self and the exhaustion of a duty-driven faith? Flee. Be silent. Pray.

2 Quoted in Henry L. Carrigan Jr., trans., e Wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers (Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2010), 93. 3 Henri J. M. Nouwen , e Way of the Heart : Connecting with God through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence (New ..."

My One Word

The concept of My One Word is simple. Lose the long list of resolutions—all your sweeping promises to change—and do something about one thing this year instead of nothing about everything. Choose just one word that represents what you most hope God will do in you, and focus on it for an entire year. This single act will force clarity and concentrate your efforts. As you focus on your word over an extended period of time, you position yourself for God to form your character at a deep, sustainable level. Growth and change will result. Author Mike Ashcraft, who has led his megachurch through this My One Word project for more than five years, and Proverbs 31 Ministries author and speaker Rachel Olsen, who has lived it, are encouraging, insightful, good-humored, yet realistic in this enjoyable read. Their stories of growth and change through My One Word will keep you motivated. Throughout the book you'll also find words and stories of people just like you who have joined the My One Word movement and discovered the power of just one word. Includes discussion questions for use with the small-group video curriculum, My One Word: A DVD Study (sold separately).

6 Henri J. M. Nouwen , The Way of the Heart : Connecting with God through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence (New York: Ballantine Books, 1981), 18. 7 While this story is true, Sarah was not scarred for life. We actually became great friends ..."

The Night Is Normal

It's unnerving, isn't it? When our faith feels ungrounded, untethered . . . unreal. When our certainty is adrift, as though an undercurrent has pulled us away from shore into the deep, into the darkness. This is disillusionment. This is spiritual pain. This is losing hope. And if this is you--if you're in a dark night of the soul--please know that you are not alone. (And you are not as far away from safety as you may feel or fear.) Though faith shines best in full sun, it grows depth in the dark. The night is not your enemy. In fact, the night is necessary. In The Night Is Normal, revered author, speaker, and mentor Dr. Alicia Britt Chole offers a groundbreaking perspective that reveals spiritual disillusionment as an unexpected friend. Within these sacred pages, you'll explore how: The roots--and fruits--of spiritual pain are actually an invitation to deep love Mistaking emotions for devotion and viewing abundance as proof of obedience create an unsustainable model for Christianity A strong night-faith can lead you into something far more satisfying than understanding and far more powerful than peace Our reality is broken, but God has not changed. Whether you're disillusioned with God, yourself, or others, Alicia offers practical and soul-full tools to help you navigate the night and find your way to a livable and love-saturated hope. Your night will not last forever. Within it, there is priceless treasure that's simply too weighty to be sourced in sunshine.

 Nouwen , Henri J. M. In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership with Study Guide for Groups and Individuals. New York: Crossroad, 2002. ... The Way of the Heart : Connecting with God through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence ."

Box Heróis da Igreja

Inclui 1 pôster com linha do tempo da Igreja Heróis da Igreja percorre dois milênios de uma história vibrante e comovente, protagonizada por homens e mulheres que deixaram sua marca como testemunhas de Cristo em momentos dramáticos e cruciais para o povo de Deus. A coleção está dividida em cinco volumes, representando cinco eras: A ERA PRIMITIVA A ERA MEDIEVAL A ERA DA REFORMA A ERA MODERNA A ERA CONTEMPORÂNEA De maneira didática e inovadora, a coleção apresenta a vida daqueles que a tradição cristã decidiu nomear como heróis. Mais do que apenas um relato sobre as principais personagens da história da Igreja, você encontrará textos escritos por eles e por elas, cujo conteúdo é de alto valor devocional. Conhecer o contexto em que viveram nossos heróis e heroínas revela por que essas pessoas inspiram os cristãos de hoje como fizeram no passado. A Editora Mundo Cristão sente-se privilegiada em compartilhar com o leitor e a leitora de língua portuguesa uma obra única, digna das melhores bibliotecas.

 Nouwen , Henri J. M. The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming [A volta do lho pródigo]. Nova York: Doubleday, 1994. ______. The Way of the Heart : Connecting with God through Prayer , Wisdom, and Silence [O caminho do coração] ..."

The Publishers Weekly

Enduring THE RECENT SUCCESSES of Grant : Memoirs and Selected Letters and Americans in Paris : A Literary Anthology are ex- amples of the way the Library of America is " expanding what the notion of great American literature is , " said ..."