A review by theologiaviatorum
The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence by Henri J.M. Nouwen

challenging hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.5

Ever since I read “Beloved” (cf. my review on that work) I have been an admirer of Henri Nouwen. In this book he condenses the wisdom of the Desert Fathers. He takes as his outline the words of the Lord to Abba Arsenius as his outline: “Arsenius, flee, be silent, pray always, for these are the sources of sinlessness.” And so Nouwen arranges his work under three headings which correspond to these commands Solitude (flee), Silence (be silent), Prayer (pray always). At just 95 pages this little book is perfect for a weekend or for a morning devotional (that was my choice this week). Nouwen speaks directly. He does not spend much time attempting to convince you that this is the Way. He simply asserts that it is. But he speaks with such authority, such certainty, but above all with such meekness and humility that you are moved to believe him. You know that his words ascend out of a heart shaped by the experience of the desert where he has lived with God. And so you trust him. Would that more would submit to these disciplines. Occasionally those who insist upon such disciplines are accused of recommending withdrawal from the world. Most often those criticisms come from those who are naïve about how enmeshed we are in networks of sinful influence. I encourage us, each one to listen and obey: flee, be silent, pray always.