Henri J. M. Nouwen: In My Own Words

by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Robert Durback (Compiler)

This is a thematic collection of memorable writings of Henri Nouwen inviting readers to share spiritual intimacy with this popular writer about prayer, depression, friendship, peace, and other topics.
His works connect to or touch the lives of people in a language they can understand, and lead them to places where they need to be. Henri J. M. Nouwen, a Dutch Roman Catholic priest who died in 1996, was one of this century's most popular spiritual writers. His accounts of his experiences as a leader in the civil rights struggle of the 1960s and in the antinuclear movement are models of balance between the political and personal aspects of Christian faith.

Genres: Spirituality

160 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2001

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[Allan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book as an aid to morning devotions- and in that regard it worked OK. Enough each day just to reflect on- but otherwise, because it was an anthology of extracts from Nouwen's writings it was somewhat limited in its overall effect. There were days when you wanted to be able to go into greater depth and understanding of the theme he was pursuing.

Having said that, this book has left me with a life gift- Nouwen talks about the Psalms as being the one book that he would hang on to if he ended up in prison for his faith, but then realised that he would need them even if he did not have access to a book so is challenged to start learning Psalms by heart. As a child I learned by heart certain key scripture verses, but have been inspired by Nouwen to do this now with particularly meaningful Psalms and other helpful passages of scripture- just in case one day they are taken away from me and I don't have access to the printed page...it's been a revelation to be doing this and meditating on these passages on a daily basis.

[Ce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Los escritos de Nouwen en una compilación que fija puntos claves para que uno siga avanzando en el camino espiritual. Lo que realmente me impresiona de sus escritos es que aún cuando el ya no esté vivo, logra dejar buenas reflexiones que sirven de guía espiritual, sobre todo cuando uno vuelve a inspeccionar la llamada de Dios.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great spiritual insight written in such a humble way.... Henri is an amazing spiritual guide and writer. The nuggets of wisdom in this book from his many writings over the years renews, refreshes, and grows my soul at any given moment in which I turn to it.

[Dovie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good collection of writings by Nouwen, but I think I'd prefer to read a whole book. Maybe I just didn't like the editing.