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A Cry for Mercy: Prayers from the Genesee
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A reissue of one of Henri Nouwen's most powerful and most personal books: prayers that reveal a fearful heart, a cry for mercy, rays of hope, the power of the Spirit, the needs of the world, and finally gratitude. In his continuing search for a deeper understanding of the spiritual life, Henri Nouwen traveled twice to the Trappist monastery in the Genesee Valley of upstate
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Paperback, 160 pages
Published
March 19th 2002
by Image
(first published 1981)
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Collection of prayers from Nouwen’s stay at a monastery. Best read slowly and intentionally, taking time to reflect.
Phenomenal. A book of incredible prayers written by a true saint.
"Rereading these prayers, a year after I wrote them, I now see that my words are no more than walls that surround a silent place."
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Masterful! Rich, deep, and meaningful. I feel a special connection to this book as he wrote it while at the Abby of the Genesee. 98%
You have to read it when you’re not distracted.
Words to pains and feelings I couldn’t express.
I always love what Nouwen wrote.
Read and keep as resource.
Nouwen's contribution in this book are to lead strongly in what humble, spiritually needy prayer can look like. We often dress our prayers with pomp and "should-say" rather than lay out our spiritual brokenness, wrestling with the flesh, insecurity, etc. before the God who expressly listens to the poor in spirit. Caveats aside, Nouwen humbly looks to God knowing that he cannot save himself, and it is Christ alone who may do a saving work in his heart. Furthermore he pra ...more
Nouwen's contribution in this book are to lead strongly in what humble, spiritually needy prayer can look like. We often dress our prayers with pomp and "should-say" rather than lay out our spiritual brokenness, wrestling with the flesh, insecurity, etc. before the God who expressly listens to the poor in spirit. Caveats aside, Nouwen humbly looks to God knowing that he cannot save himself, and it is Christ alone who may do a saving work in his heart. Furthermore he pra ...more
A book that improves each time I read it.
I love this book, and I've read it every year since 2003. I have a habit of dating the prayers in it as I've read them. My favorite one is titled "Saturday, July 7," and it begins, "Dear Lord, today I thought of the words of Vincent van Gogh: 'It is true there is an ebb and flow, but the sea remains the sea ..." I'm usually at the Serra Retreat in Malibu for our Writing Retreat sometime in May or June, and I often sit on the bench beyond the meditation garden, which is high on the hill overlooki
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I've been running into Henri Nouwen's words for a while now. So much so that it seemed past time to actually pick up a book by the man himself.
"A Cry for Mercy" is ostensibly a prayer journal, but it comes off more as prayer journey. Not only through six months of the author's life at a monastery, but through the idea of prayer itself. The epilogue alone is worth the read. Nouwen offers a view of prayer both new and familiar. Talking, praising, crying out to God, yet belying deeper currents. The ...more
"A Cry for Mercy" is ostensibly a prayer journal, but it comes off more as prayer journey. Not only through six months of the author's life at a monastery, but through the idea of prayer itself. The epilogue alone is worth the read. Nouwen offers a view of prayer both new and familiar. Talking, praising, crying out to God, yet belying deeper currents. The ...more
This book has brought me to my knees and brought me to tears more times than I can count. When I first opened it, I started reading the first prayer aloud to myself, and I was stunned by how much it moved me. Reading Nouwen's incredibly honest and real prayers has been powerful and humbling and I have loved reading through this one. Each page is underlined and starred and I keep rereading lines over and over because I love the way they flow and beckon me to pour my heart out to my Father.
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I read this book on a retreat at the Abbey of the Genesee where Nouwen wrote these prayers. It was a fitting companion book for my retreat. Over the course of 2-3 days, I went on a miniature journey with him - together we went on a journey with Him. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to honestly explore the inward landscapes of the heart and the steady transformation that comes through Christ.
I waas given this copy and have loved it! Great short readings and a good devotional book.
I run into books like I ran into this one.
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Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (Nouen), (1932–1996) was a Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books on the spiritual life.
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two decades of ...more
Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike. The Wounded Healer, In the Name of Jesus, Clowning in Rome, The Life of the Beloved, and The Way of the Heart are just a few of the more widely recognized titles. After nearly two decades of ...more
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“O Lord, I will not bind you with my own limited and limiting ideas and feelings. You can do so many things with me, things that might seem totally impossible to me. I want at least to remain open to the free movement of your Spirit in my life. Why do I keep saying to myself: “I will never be a saint. I will never be able to overcome my impulses and desires.” If I keep saying that, I might prevent you from healing and touching me deeply. O Lord, let me remain free to let you come whenever and however you desire. Amen.”
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