Behold the Beauty of the Lord

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

This is a book of meditations penned by famed Catholic writer Henri Nouwen, growing out of his contemplation of icons during sojourns at l'Arche, a community for people with mental handicaps in Trosly, France.

Genres: Prayer, Spirituality, Theology, Catholic, Religion, Faith, Christian

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[7jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about 4 Russian icons (who are shown on cardlike pages at the first pages of the book, and in black and white before talk on each); but also about icons as prayer tools – good especially when strength for prayer is weak otherwise – as an access to the other side, as helpers, as holy places. Each icon gets some background information (where made, when; two are Rublevs, two are of anonymous work) plus the authors thoughts on each one’s details and what else one can think about them.

He first encountered first one of them in fall 1983 in a French community for people with mental handicaps, and in later times the other three. All have become important for him, and haven’t stopped revealing new sides on each time of contemplation, use in prayer. Gazing at them brings up, gradually, details and emotions and thoughts… for all times of life, they speak and bring closer to God.

The icons are: Holy Trinity, Virgin of Vladimir, Savior of Zvenigorod, and the Descent of Holy Spirit. The first two are my favorites. :) And in my church there is now a copy of the Holy Trinity one to visit, which makes me glad.

Nouwen’s thoughts: Holy Trinity is about belonging to the house of love, a resting place to see the beauty of God. He mentions the “Can you drink the cup?” story here, which he later wrote a book about.
The Virgin painting is about belonging to God (not the World). The painting is from Greece but was brought to Russia, where it was named after one place the painting ended up. The author especially is fascinated by her eyes (and I agree); her hands point to Jesus, with patience. Here is the world present in the square form of the frame, and the Virgin and Jesus form a triangle.
Savior of Zvenigorod was found 1918 as a step in a barn, which is why it’s so worn. It was part of a tier with only two other panels surviving besides this one. Here Jesus is seen turning his face towards the watcher, and looking at us. I found the face a bit strange-looking, but Jesus is not being in any way hostile-looking; one just has to get used to how it looks, haha. But then one will get the value of gazing at it the more one looks at the painting.
The Descent of Holy Spirit had a good explanation of its details, including what the man with a long scroll at the bottom of it means (world desiring to be saved), and that it makes one think of how one belongs to a community. I do wonder a bit about the inclusion of St Paul here – he was not present there during that event, actually – but have no problem accepting that he is there.

I think it’s a good idea to look at the colorful icons at the start in a good, bright-enough light, since then the greatness of the use of color, and some details, can really be seen well. The author has brought much depth into talking about these icons even when it’s a slim book, though the writer of the foreword does say that some comments are of Nouwen’s own opinion… but still well observed stuff.
A book of interest for those who have an interest in icons, especially if you already have fondness for the four shown here.

[Catherine Meijer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this while working in a paper on Christian devotional aesthetics, and while my own faith practice does not include icons, I found Nouwen’s reflections to be deeply meaningful and that they re-oriented my own soul towards God. 🕊️

“This face-to-face experience leads us to the heart of the great mystery of the Incarnation. We can see God and live! As we try to fix our eyes on the eyes of Jesus we know that we are seeing the eyes of God. What greater desire is there in the human heart than to see God?
…
“But the eyes of Christ which see the splendor of God's light are the same eyes which have seen the lowliness of God's people. The same eyes that penetrate God's eternal mystery have also seen into the innermost being of men and women, who are created in God's image.” (pp. 54-55)

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protestants have historically had a hard time with icons. They seem vaguely idolatrous. After all, people seem to spend time in prayer in front of them. That, of course, is an outsider's view. This is the book that will clarify why icons are such a valuable part of Orthodox tradition and spirituality. I couldn't possible say it as well as Henri does. They are not worship objects, but more like hallways to God. They allow you to focus your prayer and see beyond the world into God's presence. If you have ever wondered about the power of icons, this is the book for you.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a good meditation book for me. I could hold the image of the painting in my mind and come back to the devotion from time to time throughout the day.

[Corbin White · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. Never underestimate the power of Nouwen and a short read. This book was phenomenal. 77 pages of the most beautiful reflections about how icons (and to a certain extent, all art) can show us the mystery of the divine in a wholly (and holy) unique way. Ever wonder why icons and artistic expressions been used in churches for centuries? Read this and you will understand completely. God bless you Henri for your prophetic words to us in the 21st Century.

Again wow… this is my favorite book of the year so far.

[Jess Schurz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely meditation on four icons and a compelling invitation to the Eastern church's prayers of stillness.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Praying with icons is a new prayer practice for me, prompted by a spiritual practices e-course I'm taking from Spirituality and Practice (www.SpiritualityandPractice.com). Because I have always associated iconograpy with Eastern Orthodox churches, I didn't know where to start with this practice. In this book Henri Nouwen presents his meditations on four icons which followed numerous periods of prayer gazing at these icons. Full color photos of the icons are included for the reader to look upon while pondering Nouwen's thoughts. Icons are the products of the artist's prayers, and are painted to lead us into our inner place of prayer...into closer communion with God. While Nouwen does not present a "how to" pray with icons, his meditations exemplify a way of approaching this practice through contemplative gazing, not mundanely looking at an icon. Gradually, "after a patient, prayerful presence (with the icon)..they start speaking more to our inner than to our outer senses." The meditation on the icon of "The Savior of Zvenigorod" especially captured me, and I am awed by the eyes of the Savior in that image. Reading this book has prompted me to purchase an icon reproduction for personal meditation and prayer.

[Kyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this as a part of my repetoire of devotionals. I like it, but I think because Icons are not something I am personally as familiar with, it is taking me a bit of effort to engage it. I'm committed, though! And, the illustrations are very wonderful and thus helpful.

[Angela Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I still prefer Jim Forrest's Praying with Icons but I do love Henri Nouwen so this makes a fine compliment.

[Ben Fridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

eye-opening and encouraging. nouwen never fails to deliver.

This seems to be increasingly true the more I study deeper streams within the Christian faith, but as Protestants, "We sit in the dark at the edge of a richly laden banquet, hoping for crumbs to fall to the floor."

it remains to be seen how this practice will enter my rule...

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

I would have appreciated a book more of how to interpret icons, art history stuff instead of theological reflection, but still worth the read.

[Tyler]

Good stuff

[Scott Jeffries · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a Texas boy raised in a Southern Baptist church. I work at a private Baptist college. The use of Icons in Christian worship or spiritual practice is not something that has ever been in my spiritual heritage. Yet, when I saw that Henri Nouwen had written a book on the use of Icons, I knew that I could trust his direction and guidance. His book, The Way of the Heart, was an excellent guide to solitude and silence. He takes deep spiritual practices with nuanced types of uses and presents them as absolutely simple and doable. All while keeping a tone that is rich and bountiful and enduring. Though books like this are an introduction to the use of Icons, this is so much more than what you might find on a eHow.com page.

Reading this book I discovered how non-visual Christian religion can be, especially in Protestant circles. I would normally read from this book in the morning and the images would stay with me for much of the day. I realized how useful strong visual images could be for the spiritual life. Many people are very visual in how they process deep ideas, why isn't there more efforts to use imagery to express ideas?

The only problem with an increased use of imagery in the Christian life would be how subjective our sense of art and imagery can be. For example, the Virgin of Vladimir is touching in the way the Christ child seems to be comforting the Virgin Mary instead of the other way around. But for me, the baby Jesus, with his adult features, is creepy looking and that distracts from the effect of the Icon. I know, Icons are not intended to be viewed in the same way you would view a Monet but these types of things often come down to taste and that means that not every Icon will touch people in quite the same way.

Though Nouwen's interpretations of the Icons were somewhat puzzling at times, his enthusiasm and heartfelt approach was infectious and sparked my interests in pursuing Icons further.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Art history meets the Word of God.

In seeking refuge in a spiritual home, Nouwen met four Russian icons he came to venerate. The first icon was sitting on a table, waiting there for him as he entered his room. Even though they were not all of his own choosing, each of the four icons prompted him to write. He had a "deep urge", he felt "drawn to write." Sensory, primal and intellectual responses to these images caused his hands to move across a page of paper. He spoke words through his pen.

Certain sacred images and words anchor deep-seated faith and modes of expression. Such images prompt reflection, action and agitation. We translate images into words. Whether written, memorized, spoken, heard, felt, chanted or sung, the essence of such words cannot be silenced.

The exciting aspect of this book is that Nouwen provides a model for our own contemplation. We can build our own altar and meditate upon that which we put in the center. We can rearrange and change what we place there whenever we want.

It may not be necessary for us to personally choose what sits on our table--we can let someone else "choose" for us. Is this an object that compels us to look? To give it a subsequent glance? What do we see when we stare at the object head-on, when we look away, and even when we shut our eyes?

Gaze in silence. Meditate. Contemplate. Wrap it in words.
Surround yourself with what you find beautiful. Cloak yourself with calm spirits.
If you saw yourself, as still as an icon, how would you describe the beauty before you?

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little book. Nouwen gives meditations for 4 Russian icons and the pictures are included in color in the front. I've always been deeply attracted to icons, but had no idea that details so small could be so important or move me so greatly. Praying with each one was beautiful (despite the plainness of one especially), and I know this book will be a good guide in years to come.

I think people who are only beginning to pray may find it lacking in instruction, however. Though Nouwen gives a few pages of meditation on a theme or idea, he doesn't really give details of what it means to "pray" with the icon. Ha. For me, it is like lectio divina with an image--latching onto things I see that grab me, and allowing myself to think and talk to God about it, either with words or through wordless feelings of my heart. But again, he doesn't really say that much. I'd recommend beginners look into lectio divina simultaneously to trying this book, as well as forms of imaginatory prayer. James Martin's "Jesuit Guide to Everything" has an excellent section on various forms of prayer and how to go about each one.

This isn't a book that has much in the way of icon commentary or study. Nouwen gives basic history and comments, but mostly it is learning to allow icons to speak to one's heart--more prayer than study. At 80ish pages it doesn't overwhelm.

[Evan Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent piece of work by Henri Nouwen. Very thoroughly researched, but more importantly devotedly and passionately written, this book is the best one I know of that is an introduction to icons. If you have ever been skeptical about icons, this book may not be for you to start with. For that, I would check out Frederica Matthews-Green's book on icons, which is crafted more for the beginner. Nouwen's book is more for people who already participate with icons and are looking to learn more about how to understand them and use them properly for devotional purposes.

The book comes with four flaps which fold out, enabling you to view each icon while you are reading the section on it. The writing is simple yet profound, with the focus being on getting the reader to engage with the icon first and foremost.

My lasting impression is of the theological significance of these four icons, particularly in how they remind us that our God is triune. In that way, they are a guide for us through the Bible, as they show us God's presence through his Triune nature through human history.

An excellent book which I would recommend to anyone.

[Readnponder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know of this book's existence until a few weeks ago. If you liked Nouwen's "The Return of the Prodigal Son," you will like this. He does four meditations on four Russian icons (really paintings). You'll never see those paintings the same way again. Nouwen opens our eyes to aspects of the art work and the spiritual truths it reveals.
The physical book is beautiful too. My copy has fold out, full color copies of the paintings in the front and back. It enables the reader to gaze at the art work while reading the text.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ NOV 2012

Compact but loaded piece from Nouwen on the power of prayer and the icons. Best quotes, "in our concern to do it right, we have forgotten how to respond spontaneously to an encounter with the Divine" (p. 10, Robert Lentz in the forward); "{Icons are] painted not as a lovely decoration for a convent church, nor as a helpful explanation of a difficult doctrine, but as a holy place to enter and stay within" (p. 32), and "we so much want to be looked at that we are ill prepared to be truly seen" (p. 51).

[David Corbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henri Nouwen does it again this time with a thoughtful book on icons. This is one of those books you can return to again and again and always come away with new insights. Another great aspect of this book are the four color plates of the icons at the beginning of the book. His thoughtful commentary on the icons can only direct you back to gaze upon them yourself to search out your own way through them to the heart of God.

[Arthur]

Second or third time to read this classic "introduction" to icons and the practice of praying through and with the icons. A beautiful book on so many levels--not the least of which are the beautifully reproduced icons that Nouwen describes and helps me to pray through and with.

A perfect read for Holy Week.

[Eunsung · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to icons and reflections by Fr. Henri.

[Renaissance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two specific factors attracted me to this publication: it is written by Henri Nouwen (one of my favorite spiritual authors), and it is a guided reflection focused on four icons (and includes the four art works as fold-outs inside the front and back covers).

Nouwen has the admirable ability to present and discuss deep spiritual and theological truths in a simple, yet profound and thought-provoking, manner. His writing style (despite translation) flows easily while one must also at times stop, re-read and reflect on the deeper meaning contained therein.

The book focuses on four religious icons:
+ The Icon of the Holy Trinity - by Andrew Rublev in 1425
+ The Icon of the Virgin of Vladimir - by an anonymous Greek artist at the beginning of the 12th century; also known as "The Virgin of Tenderness"
+ The Icon of the Savior of Zvenigorod--also by Andrew Rublev in the early 15th century; also known as the "Savior of Zvenigorod; the story of this art work's discovery in 1928 is fascinating!
+ The Icon of the Descent of the Holy Spirit--by a Russian painter in the late 15th century

Nouwen challenges the reader to not just examine, study and observe the paintings, but to meditate and pray with them--to let them be our guides to deeper and meaningful spiritual messages. He guides the reader to focus on particular details of the paintings to understand or consider various theological truths that enhance our personal spirituality and our perception of community/church--much as he does in his other great work "The Prodigal Son". Additionally, I found that the story of each icon's journey fascinating: surviving numerous moves, being discovered after years of being hidden, etc.

This is a short book (only 80 pages), but the read should take time to read, stop, reflect, study, pray. It is like a fine wine--meant to be sipped, savored and enjoyed, not gulped down.

[Seth Cooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nouwen was incredibly intelligent and talented at communicating large truths and history in a very brief and concise way. In this short book, he provided history, personal reflection, and meaning to the various colours, angles, and design behind four Russian icons of the Christian tradition so beautifully.

In each image, we see ourselves, the hope of the gospel, and the healing of the world that is possible. Connecting them, Nouwen brings all things back to the image and truth of the Trinity and that intimate life with God that we have been invited into.

A worthwhile read for those interested in learning more about praying with icons as a means of beholding the beauty of God.

[Mark Matzeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Praying With Icons" was a wonderful book. I'm so glad I read it.
I was already familiar with Fr. Nouwen, mostly through "The Parable of the Prodigal Son", so was eager to see what this Catholic priest had to say about Orthodox icons. What he shared deepened my appreciation for iconography, but that was more appetizer than main course.
It's obvious by the bibliography that Nouwen researched the icons exhaustively as well as contemplated them in private meditation, though he doesn't detail that process.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nouwen, a widely acclaimed devotional theologian, provides a devotional exploration of four Eastern Orthodox icons. The reason I picked up this book that, as a Protestant, icons is foreign to me. I was intrigued by a Roman Catholic such as Nouwen interacting with EO icons. I will say that, in large part, there is nothing I would disagree with regarding the contents of this book nor do I think any truly devoted RC or EO would as well. While still remaining an iconoclast (with a dash of sarcasm), this gives me a greater appreciation for how icons can speak to believers.

[Brook Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaze intentionally toward an Icon and see its character, traits, and accents. But, be ever listening to what it says. This book will help you open your eyes and ears to the prayerful practice of iconography. It provides just enough historical background leaving enough room for spiritual or theological revelations. His examinations will leave you pondering internally as—while gazing into an icon—experiencing eternity.

[Susan Henn · Rating 4 out of 5]

12/2019 Nouwen reveals ways icons have drawn him closer to God personally while describing the history of four famous icons. As an artist, I was eager to read about Nouwen's experiences with icons and hoped to possibly adopt some aspects of studying icons in my seeking to draw near to God. However, I could not read into the paintings the elements and emotions they were supposed to convey and don't know if further study could change that for me.

[Michael Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short easy read in some ways, but very rich and deep as well. It gave me an understanding of the nature and purpose of icons, and a desire to learn more about incorporating them into my spiritual life. Whether or not you want to experiment with the practice of praying using icons, the book is worth your time just for the sake of understanding them and for the spiritual encouragement it contains.

[John Teske · Rating 5 out of 5]

An iconographer myself, I was intrigued to see this title after reading The Prodigal Son book by the same author.

An excellent reflection on 4 key icons, movingly described, with amazing insight into the divine windows that each of these represents.

I will be rereading this many times, and plan to recommend it to my iconographer friends (they have probably read it already).

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate this primer on praying with icons. I’ve come to a greater understanding of the spiritual truths that they convey in often hidden ways. While I don’t see myself increasing my exposure to icons in great ways, I’ve come to appreciate how they’ve shaped the faith lives of countless others over the centuries.