The Way of the Heart

one of my favorite writers is Henri Nouwen. his book The Way of the Heart was first published in 1981. it's inspired by the writings and teachings of St. Anthony and the Desert Fathers. the text speaks of three steps of connecting with God: solitude, silence, and prayer.

solitude is not simply being alone; it is being alone with God. Nouwen writes: "Solitude is the place of purification and transformation...the place of our salvation."

silence is not simply being quiet; it is listening to God. for Nouwen, silence "makes us pilgrims...guards the fire within" and "teaches us to speak."

prayer is not simply talking to God or requesting tasks be completed or hurts be taken away; "The prayer of the heart opens the eyes of our soul to the truth of ourselves as well as to the truth of God." Nouwen also writes: "And before we speak any words, the Spirit of God, praying in us, will make his presence known and gather people into a new body, the body of Christ himself."

Henri Nouwen's The Way of the Heart is wonderful. it's the perfect devotional book for an afternoon or evening of solitude, silence, and prayer.