You Are the Beloved: 365 Daily Readings and Meditations for Spiritual Living: A Devotional

by Henri J.M. Nouwen, Gabrielle Earnshaw (Editor)

Seven million copies of his books in print! This daily devotional from the bestselling author of such spiritual classics as The Return of the Prodigal Son and The Wounded Healer offers deep spiritual insight into human experience, intimacy, brokeness, and mercy.

Nouwen devoted much of his later ministry to emphasizing the singular concept of our identity as the Beloved of God. In an interview, he said that he believed the central moment in Jesus's public ministry to be his baptism in the Jordan, when Jesus heard the affirmation, "You are my beloved son on whom my favor rests." "That is the core experience of Jesus," Nouwen writes. "He is reminded in a deep, deep way of who he is. . . . I think his whole life is continually claiming that identity in the midst of everything."

You Are Beloved is a daily devotional intended to empower readers to claim this truth in their own lives. Featuring the best of Nouwen's writing from previously published works, this devotional will propel the canon forward as it draws on this rich literature in new and compelling ways. It will appeal to readers already familiar with Nouwen's work as well as new readers looking for a devotional to guide them into a deeper awareness of their identity in Jesus.

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Spirituality, Faith, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2017

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

[Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, I first encountered the work of Henri J.M. Nouwen when a neighbor lent me a copy of The Genesee Diary because he knew of my love for Kathleen Norris' The Cloistered Walk and the writing of Thomas Merton. While I always admired the theological wisdom of Merton, I deeply connected with the more vulnerable Nouwen. There was something revealingly honest about Henri Nouwen's books that drew me in and made me feel as if he were opening his heart to me in the words he had written. I began to read anything I could get my hands on by him. The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming had the greatest impact on me of all of Nouwen's books. It, along with books like Can You Drink The Cup? and The Way of the Heart and Life of the Beloved, are all works of his that I find myself returning to again and again.
The latest book to be published posthumously since Nouwen's death in 1996 is You Are The Beloved: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living. Normally, I am not one for devotionals, feeling like I am only getting a taste, like a free sample at a store, when I want more of a meal. While I still want to read more than the smaller passages that accompany each day's reading, there is a depth and discernment to Nouwen's writing that I find myself truly meditating on each day's reflections.

In his book Here and Now, Henri Nouwen wrote, "Spiritual reading is ... reading in a spiritual way... with a desire to let God come closer to us... not to master knowledge or information but to let God's Spirit master us... spiritual reading means to let ourselves be read by God!"

This is exactly what Nouwen offers us in his own writing. Because he allows the reader to see that out of his own loneliness, his own woundedness, he discovered the truth of, "You are the Beloved of God." That is the focus of these meditations extracted from his previous writings. He mentions his own struggles and how he often didn't "feel" like a beloved child of God, but that he knew it was his "most primal identity" and that he had to choose that identity above any of his hesitations of unworthiness. This identity is founded in the understanding that God isn't distant, but is compassionate. When we realize that God is a "God-with-us" then "we enter into a new relationship of intimacy with him." God is a close God, a God of refuge, one who's our stronghold, our wisdom, our helper, our shepherd and our love.

In You Are The Beloved, the subjects range from loneliness, identity, solitude, community, prayer, the nature of God, peace, grace, meditation, as well as dealing with pain and suffering. The passages in the book made me want to go back to the books that they were originally from and reread those. I find that even the words I find familiar are also read in a new light, as I am in a completely different spiritual place in my life than when I read many of these books years ago. As he writes, "As I grow older, I discover more and more that the greatest gift I have to offer is my own joy of living, my own inner peace, my own silence and solitude, my own sense of well-being. When I ask myself, 'Who helps me the most?' I must answer, 'The one who is willing to share his or her life with me." By reading each of the 365 passages each day, one is, in a way, sharing his or her life with Nouwen, just as he is sharing his through his words.

This is a great entryway for anyone who has never read anything by Henri Nouwen before and is also a wonderful devotional book for those who know and love his writing and want to use these passages to either begin or end their day.

[Geoffrey Hagberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

What is it: excerpts from Henri Nouwen's other works, structured as daily readings.

Why I did not like it: I'm not really sure I understand the purpose of this book. I picked it up without having read anything else by Nouwen, and my assumption was that it would be daily devotional writings selected from Nouwen's other work. But I'm learning that Nouwen doesn't exactly write devotionally; he writes meditatively, sometimes mystically. Nouwen's writing seems like it would benefit from a lot of time and space to work itself out on the page, but the excerpts included here are brief, just a paragraph or two, robbing Nouwen's writing of any chance to deepen or build on itself.

So that puts this book in a very weird, and I think ineffective, position of expecting to fill a daily devotional routine but not providing devotional content, and trying to showcase Nouwen's insights but stripping those insights down into bite-size chunks that end up flavorless.

To clarify: I have no issue with the content of Nouwen's writing, and this book has made me all the more interested to read a full book by Nouwen where he does have the chance to deepen or build his points. But I didn't find the structure of this book to be useful either as part of my daily routine or as a way to understand Nouwen.

Try this instead: I can only assume that you should just try reading Nouwen's work, which is my plan. If you're looking for daily devotional material, I think Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest is a really good example of the structure.

[Anna W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I had not heard of Henri J.M. Nouwen... which seems unreal looking over his biography. As Goodreads states: "Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen (Nouen), (1932–1996) was a Dutch-born Catholic priest and writer who authored 40 books on the spiritual life [and] Nouwen's books are widely read today by Protestants and Catholics alike."

Now I just feel like I don't read enough religious literature.

However, this devotional would be perfect for any Christian, Protestant, or Catholic looking for a quick meditative book. The book is sectioned into days of the year, and each offers a small idea on which to focus about one's spiritual life.

I highly recommend this book as a devotional. It's easy to read, and it's written by one widely versed (and revered) in religious communities.

[Lieve Hendren · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "You Are the Beloved," Henri Nouwen has this amazing way of taking big, heavy topics like loneliness and despair and making them feel like he's sharing about them just with you. Reading his book, it's like he's right there, telling stories from his own life that hit home. He gets deep into these tough life challenges, like feeling as if you'll never belong, but in a way that's full of hopefulness without discounting the hard parts. It's like having a heart-to-heart with a wise friend who's been there, done that. This book is a real gem for anyone who's ever felt a bit lost or alone.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a thoughtful gift to me. I’m not usually one for “devotionals”, but I thoroughly enjoy reading Nouwen’s writings every day, as they always provide something to muse upon.

I appreciate that there are no additional notes or questions for each day’s reading. Each page simply contains a paragraph or two from one of Nouwen’s works. It’s pure and I appreciate that.

[Sheila Jungco · Rating 5 out of 5]

You are beloved is full of thoughtful words.
It has been a month and reading few pages a day becomes my morning prayers.

[Pam Cipkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henri Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest with interests in spirituality, social justice, and community. Nouwen struggled with loneliness and anxiety throughout his life, and in this daily devotional, he strives to show that though we may not feel deserving, we remain precious in God’s sight.

Each daily reading is taken from one of Nouwen’s many published works. And while he speaks often of brokenness, anger, and loss, he counters it with thoughts of healing and freedom.

You see some of the influence Thomas Merton had on Nouwen, as he speaks of contemplative prayer, self-acceptance, and the rejection of a worldly identity. He invites the reader to “Try to keep a little hermitage in the center of your being, where you can continue your prayers even during a busy day. A simple prayer…can give you much consolation and strength when you allow it to remain present in your inner hermitage. It is the way to let the Spirit of God pray in you.”

The passages did seem a little random to me at times, though, and I often wished they were juxtaposed with relevant Bible passages. Nouwen, though, is an interesting and inviting presence amid contemporary Catholic literary voices.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are Beloved by Henri Nouwen is a book of daily devotions dedicated to help you realize just that, that you are beloved by God, a wondrous child of God, and that nothing you do will ever change that or cause God to separate from you.

Nouwen speaks simply, but from the heart. His meditations give the reader something to think about each day.

For those who use daily devotionals, this is a good one to have in your rotation.

Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Britta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great daily read, Ive been reading daily for about a week, each morning I read one and its like a breath of fresh air.

Such a great choice, each day includes where the Meditations are from, which is lovely so that if there is one that I really like, I can see where it is from to find similar items.

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Note:  This book was provided free of charge by Blogging For Books/Convergent Books.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

As someone who has read a few of the posthumous author's books before [1], my attitude towards this is the same as my attitude towards many of these books and ones by related authors, and that is that if the books are going to be this good, I don't mind in the least that they contain particularly quotable bits and pieces from works that the author wrote while he was alive and the odd unpublished letter.  The editor/compiler here deserves some considerable credit for making this feast of scraps a worthwhile and contemplative work, and of course, Nouwen was a profound thinker not only because he had a keen mind and a skillful way with words, but because he was a man deeply in touch with his own reservoir of anxieties and brokenness from which he wrote movingly, a fair amount of which is included here.  This book is distinctive enough from the run-of-the-mill 365 (or, in this case, 366) day devotional to be well worth reading as its meditations are not often biblical but are at least thought-provoking and worthwhile.

The format and contents of this book are relatively uncomplicated.  The book is about 400 pages and contains 366 daily meditations taken from the writings of Henri Nouwen.  The year is divided into Gregorian months, and the devotions for most months end with a prayer taken from one of Nouwen's works.  Each day is noted in the top right or top left corner, along with a title for the day's meditation a paragraph or two (generally), frequently with ellipsis, taken from Nouwen's large body of work and then a note about which work it is taken from.  More detailed citations are in the back.  The meditations sometimes relate to the particular season--some make note of Lent, Pentecost, and Advent, for example--and often touch on themes of interest to the writer, which means one gets a lot of reflections about solitude, anxiety, longing, community, friendship, aging, death and dying, and the brokenness of human existence.  As a whole, the book is a suitably practical but also intensely mystical discussion of how we can be at one with God and with others and embrace and overcome the difficulties and limitations of our frailty and our humanity.

I personally enjoyed this book a great deal, as the author and his thinking struck me as being similar to what I would sound if I was a contemplative Catholic priest of sorts rather than being what I am.  For me, the book reminded me that there are a lot of good books that Nouwen has written that I would love to read if they were available.  That said, not everyone will find this book to be their cup of tea--this book is a lot less enjoyable if one has no interest in reading about the lives of the Desert fathers or has no tolerance for Nouwen's open Catholicism and general interest in the contemplative and mystical.  Some readers will find the book's few citations of scripture to be off-putting as well.  Nevertheless, for those who are fond of Nouwen's reflections and find them a pleasant and comforting set of writings to read and reflect upon.  Obviously, those who are fans of Nouwen's writing will find a lot to appreciate here, and Earnshaw deserves a great deal of credit for finding and compiling these quotes from such a diverse collection of Nouwen's writings.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

[Melissa Pietkiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in exchange for an honest review--and I am so glad I did! Admittedly, I have not read it from cover to cover, as it is a book that is intended to be read over the course of a year with a meditation for each day. I have, however, flipped through, read the introduction, a few meditations for random days to get a feel for the book, and jumped right in this last week for the meditations intended for the corresponding days. The daily readings are short and sweet, but they had enough "meat" to stay with me and make me truly consider what I had read for quite some time. In a quiet place they would certainly give you something to meditate on and hear God's voice. In a busy mom's life, where you barely get a moment to yourself, they have been something for me to consider over the course of my day and at the bare minimum experience a little self-discovery as I considered the words and my feelings about that day's topic. And on a more personal note, what I have read so far has found me in just the right place. I will continue to read and enjoy this book for quite some time to come!

[Gini · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you aren’t familiar with the work of Henri Nouwen this compilation from his writings, talks, and letters, as the introduction tells us, will introduce you to him. If you have read Nouwen before this will remind you over and again how sensitive and loving he was. And how he demonstrated his ability to speak the truth in love.
I have browsed randomly through many of the entries and each one touched me in some way. The readings are brief, but not without deep content. A simple line or two from one of the readings says, “The resurrection does not solve our problems about dying and death…. But it does reveal to us that, in deed, love is stronger than death.” (104).
I am glad to have discovered this book and intend to use regularly. I recommend it to you as well. It does contain a list of works cited at the end with the information listed by day that a person needs to track the excerpt. Sort of a standard, but still nice to have in case the reader wants more from a work.
I received this book from the publisher in return for a review.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pulled from many of Nouwen's writings, including his books and letters, this collection provides a thought for each day of the year. These thoughts cover topics such as gratitude, love, talents and gifts, and compassion. Nouwen draws on his own life experiences, readings, study with Christian leaders, and time living among the mentally handicapped. He explores how embracing our own brokenness and shortcomings allows us to feel closer to others, growing in understanding and our ability to serve.

This is a good choice for someone looking for daily readings that prompt deep thinking and soul-searching. Nouwen's own honesty about his failings pushes readers to be more honest with themselves about their own shortcomings and what is needed to lead more deeply spiritual lives. The passages range from a paragraph to nearly a page in length, making them easily included in daily meditation and study.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.

[Kathleen]

Writing Reveals What Is Alive in Us (August 25)

Writing is a process in which we discover what lives in us. The writing itself reveals to us what is alive in us. The deepest satisfaction of writing is precisely that it opens up new spaces within us of which we were not aware before we started to write. To write is to embark on a journey whose final destination we do not know. Thus, writing requires a real act of trust. We have to say to ourselves: “I do not yet know what I carry in my heart, but I trust that it will emerge as I write.” Writing is like giving away the few loaves and fishes one has, trusting that they will multiply in the giving. Once we dare to “give away” on paper the few thoughts that come to us, we start discovering how much is hidden underneath these thoughts and gradually come in touch with our own riches. (from Seeds of Hope: A Henri Nouwen Reader (1997)

[Jessie Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains readings for each day of the year. They are short enough to read in just a few minutes. Some are more detailed and challenging reads than others but all are thought provoking. I expected more scripture to be present throughout the book and was a little disappointed at the lack there of. I wouldn’t classify this as a devotional because of that. The readings are great for causing the reader to think and meditate on things of God. They are deep and sometimes a little wordy and hard to understand. Not one of my favorite books of this type but it is good.
I received a copy of this book from blogging for books in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to write a positive review.

[Lucy G. DE Llaguno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una lectura, una idea, un pensamiento, una emoción me alentaron durante cada uno de los días del 2018. Mi oración contemplativa, casi siempre por las mañanas, inició con la reflexión de Henri Nouwen , después, 20 minutos de meditación contemplativa. Este libro es un regalo de paz y una puerta a la compasión.

“When you recognize the festive and the still moments as moments of prayer, then you gradually realize that to pray is to live” De la reflexión del 20 dee agosto, unas líneas de With Open Hands

[Heidi Creasman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read Henri Nouwen for a spiritual formation class. Since then I have read several of his books. Gabrielle Earnshaw has carefully compiled these devotional readings from a plethora of Nouwens books. It's a journey, a spiritual journey.

"Spiritual reading is not only reading about spiritual people or spiritual things. It is also reading spiritually, that is in a spiritual way . . . Reading with a desire to let God come closer to us. It is not to master knowledge or information but to let God's Spirit master us." (p. v)

[Chad Gramling · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Are Beloved is a daily devotional that empowers readers to realize this truth in their own lives. Featuring Nouwen’s writing from previously published works, it appeals to a diverse set of readers and it will guide them into a deeper awareness of their identity in Jesus. (Note: Crown Publishing/Convergent Books provided me with a review copy.) It is an invitation to walk with Nouwen through your own heart, to where the soft, gentle voice of God can be heard.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely collection of Henri Nouwen's writings. Collected in small daily doses. Quite a variety of sources both published and unpublished. Very minimal introduction. Good list of sources allows one to track down their favorite works. I would have liked some biographical material to accompany this book, but I can find that online. I really like the binding and cover. Very comfortable book. A good introduction for someone unfamiliar with Nouwen's oeuvre.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely way to start each day reading a few short paragraphs from one of Nouwen's beautiful books on being the Beloved of God. This is such an important message for all of us to understand and reading 365 meditations on it helps solidify it in one's heart.

Nouwen concludes most months with a prayer which I found particularly useful.

This would be a wonderful resource to introduce someone to Nouwen's writings.

Highly recommended.

[Deanne Welsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect companion to the season of transition I am in. If you are sensing God beckoning you to a life of deeper trust, surrender and love. This is for you! The bite-sized daily reflections are the perfect pause to my busy day; to sit at Jesus' feet and consider His truth through the eyes of Nouwen's reflections and thoughts.

The text is challenging, comforting and gently invites me to deeper intimacy with God. Highly recommend!

[John Kaess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best devotional book i've ever read. I've read several books by Nouwen and every one has been great. This book consists of excerpts from many of Nouwen's books with a paragraph or two for each day. The emphasis of the devotionals is on knowing and living as someone beloved by God. I found it very encouraging and uplifting and i recommend this book very highly

[Darryl R. Gifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Devotional

Being a HUGE fan of Henri Nouwen, I purchased this devotional last year and spent the last year reading it daily. It uses excerpts from his writings and it lists the book from which each reading came. Fr. Nouwen wrote so clearly and understandably about his faith. I highly recommend this book to Protestants as well as Catholics, being Protestant myself.

[Tim Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book from the library. I only got through 20% of it before taking it back. It had a quote from a bunch of his different books. There was one for every day of the year and I was reading about 4 or more a day so got through quite a bit for 3 weeks!

The quotes were so good though! I ended up writing a lot of them down! Makes me want to read his other works!

[Thomas J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of memorable passages

Every day in this book brought to life the essence of spirituality, that we as God's children should believe and trust in, especially during these days of great anxiety and turmoil, where it seems that we, as Christians have forgotten that indeed GOD IS WITH US and always has been. Trust in him and see him in our everyday encounters with ALL people.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

Simple and easy to understand, with few needed words to get passed a feeling of warmth and and delve into a prayer world. The book is thick and full of love, life, worship and knowledge in a mix that will have the reader soaking up God and love all day.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good devotional book that keeps one things to think about and help with your daily walk with God. I really enjoyed this book and did purchase copies for a few friends. Thanks to NetGalley, the publsiher and the author for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

[Monique Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best of Nouwen

This book really gives the reader much to consider. There were some passages that were moving as they drew me out of my perspective to discern God's presence. This really offers the best of a great theologian, not for study but for prayer and contemplation.

[Haitrieu Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me to see that I am God's beloved daughter. That identity shapes who I am no matter what the outside world said. Further retreats help me to hear God's screaming across the mountain to tell me that I am not only the beloved but that He is crazy about me.

[Elizabeth K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Daily Read

I love the digestible amount of thought provoking and soul stirring content for each day. It’s a book you can read over and over and discover new things each time.