Concluding Prayer
My fears, dear Lord, of opening my eyes to the suffering world are deeply rooted in my own anxious heart. I am not sure that I, myself, am truly loved and safely held, and so I keep my distance from other people’s fear-filled lives. But again you say: “Do not be afraid to let me look at your wounded heart, to embrace you, to heal you, to comfort and console you . . . because I love you with a love that knows no bounds and poses no conditions.”. . . As your passion, death, and resurrection continue in history, give me the hope, the courage, and the confidence to let your heart unite my heart with the hearts of all your suffering people, and so become for us the divine source of new life.
Amen.
Excerpt from Henri Nouwen’s Walk With Jesus, Orbis Books. Posted with the kind permission of the publisher.
Many thanks to Jack Given for leading this Lenten discussion and to Jacquie Lombardi for assisting us with the comment moderation. We are very grateful to them and to all who participated. Whether you shared regularly, once in a while or just checked in from time to time to read the excerpt and comments, we hope your spirit was nourished and renewed. We invite you to continue to read and post comments here. When we’ve organized the next book discussion we’ll post a notice and ask you to help us get the word out. Once again, we invite you to give us your suggestions for the next book.
Peace and Easter blessings,
Maureen
Resource Coordinator, Henri Nouwen Society
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April 28th, 2008 @ 7:44 am
Hi Cindy,
Jack and I have been chatting about dates for the next book discussion. We are thinking that the book will probably be “The Inner Voice of Love” with a start date around the end of September. I will be posting a notice soon.
Blessings,
Maureen
Henri Nouwen Society
April 27th, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
When will your next book discussion begin and what book will you be using?
April 16th, 2008 @ 4:52 am
Thanks Maureen and Jack for helping make this possible! Thanks also to all the faithful participants whose comments were guiding and insightful. The “Inner Voice of Love” is good on CD to listen to while driving to work or on a trip. Have a wonderful Easter-Spring and I look forward to continuing to share life with you again soon.
Till Next Time!
April 7th, 2008 @ 9:28 pm
The Inner Voice of Love - This suggested book also sounds very helpful to our faith journeys. I haven’t read it yet but now, whether or not it is the next selection, I am going to purchase it to read. The title is compelling. Thank you, Patty and Judith, for informing us about this book.
April 7th, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
I agree” THE INNER VOICE OF LOVE” could be used.
I have appreciated this site and the daily/weekly meditations so very much. It is a beautiful ministry..
Shalom
April 4th, 2008 @ 11:21 pm
Maureen,
Thank you so much for all of your hard work to keep these groups going. I am well aware of your hard at this. Please know that so many of us appreciate all you do. A suggestion?
“The Inner Voice of Love” or “Letter to Marc About Jesus.” There are so many of Nouwen’s books that make for a good group discussion, but here are two. Others may have equally good ideas.
God Bless you, my friend, Patty
April 4th, 2008 @ 1:33 am
Maureen,
Thank you so much for allowing me to tag along. The Stations you sent were a true Blessing. I sent a note to Jack thanking you and including a little of what is happening here in Jalalabad. Please know that you are a special person and have made a difference. And maybe that is the best thing that any of us can do.
Sincerely
SFC Stephen D. Parella