With Open Hands

Outstanding read! The book presented me with a better understanding and perspective on the discipline of prayer; it was great to read Nouwen again after a long absence.

With Open Hands, Henri Nouwen's first book on spirituality and a treasured introduction to prayer, has been a perennial favorite for over thirty years because it gently encourages an open, trusting stance toward God and offers insight to the components of prayer: silence, acceptance, hope, compassion, and prophetic criticism.

Not my favorite Nouwen book. It felt vague and hard to pin down what he was saying. Maybe I need to reread at a later date.

This book is another classic from Nouwen. In it he discusses how true pray is an act of letting go and opening up. In the process we are healed by the one whom we feared might destroy us. He discusses the fear that individuals have against true prayer. What we fear to lose and what we fear to gain. Excellent book on Christian Spirituality.

With Open Hands by Henri J. M. Nouwen, a Dutch-born Catholic priest, is a broad framework to show the necessity of prayer in our lives and to show the characteristics – silence, acceptance, hope, compassion, and prophetic criticism – by which we should approach prayer. The metaphor of the clenched fists and open hands anchors the book. The book is based in Christian theology; however, the concepts are more universal in nature.

Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/11/with-open-hands.html

Hey Siri if reflections on life to help your prayers become a joy -- a spontaneous reaction to the world and people around you.

Interesting thoughts on prayer and purpose