The Only Necessary Thing: Living A Prayerful Life

(Selected Writings of Henri J.M. Nouwen compiled and edited by Wendy Wilson Greer (Crossroad, 1999, p.224)

For readers who have read the complete collection of the writings of Henri Nouwen this may seem to be an "unnecessary" book. But a closer look at the handy volume reveals a new treasure waiting to be discovered. For one thing, the selections gathered here are not simply reprints of passages to be easily found in other bound volumes in the Nouwen collection. Strategically placed throughout the book are passages from articles published by Nouwen in a variety of magazines, published months and years apart, and found nowhere else bound together in a single volume. Added to this distinction is another unique feature: the inclusion of hitherto unpublished material from the Nouwen archives.

Editor Wendy Wilson Greer has not only dug deeply and far and wide, but most importantly reveals she has spent hours, days and years poring over and prayerfully reflecting on Nouwen's writings until she is now able to share with readers in this volume a carefully orchestrated thematic arrangement of selected passages that lead the reader gradually and step by step into a progression of ever deeper levels of meditative reflection.

Themes include topics ranging from "Desire," "Solitude," "Listening," "Community," "Forgiveness," "Death and Eternal Life." The reflections end with a collection of prayers composed by Henri Nouwen, some of them published previously in his book "A Cry For Mercy: Prayers From the Genesee," and others hitherto unpublished. A sampling of quotables:

"God is timeless, immortal, eternal, and prayer lifts us up into this divine life." (Pg.39)

"Praying pervades every aspect of our lives. It is the unceasing recognition that God is wherever we are, always inviting us to come closer and to celebrate the divine gift of being alive." (Pg. 40)

"Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly." (Pg. 153)

"As long as we are afraid of God we cannot love God. The greatest block in the spiritual life is fear." (Pg. 167)

"Love - deep, human love - does not know death....Real love says, 'Forever.' Love will always reach out toward the eternal." (Pp. 187-188)      

Copyright for the book is owned by The Estate of Henri J.M. Nouwen

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