Book Recommendations
The Return of the Prodigal Son
By: Henri J.M. Nouwen
I love how Henri Nouwen wrote his own spiritual journey through his encounter with the Rambrant's painting, "The Return of the Prodigal Son". I could relate very closely to the process of the internal journey God took him through "the story of homecoming"; "coming home","being home", and "becoming home".This has been the process God took me to show His unconditional love beckoning me home to His love and His presence; His invitation to stay with Him at home; and sit in His encouragement to become His home to others. What a beautiful story of Homecoming to the Father who is ever so patient, gentle, generous, and loving. How could we not respond to His reaching arms to embrace each of us into His loving presence?
The Way of the Heart
By: Henri J.M. Nouwen
In this book, Henri Nouwen uses Abba Arsenius, one of the desert Fathers' story seeking God for "the way of salvation" and heard a voice saying, "Arsenius, flee, be silent, pray always, for these are the source of sinlessness." Henri Nouwen takes us through unpacking these very essential three spiritual practices; Solitude, Silence, and Prayer and he shows us how these practices can connect us to God but also helps us reaching out to others in ministry out of this place of deep connection with God. I love how he describes solitude as "learning not to be alone but to be alone with God"; silence as "the discipline by which the inner fire of God is tended and kept alive"; prayer as "standing in the presence of God with the mind in the heart". I trust that you will appreciate these crucial spiritual practices and learn how to apply them into your personal life.
