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Following Jesus: Finding Our Way Home in an Age of Anxiety
In this brand-new, never before published work of inspiration, the bestselling author of
The Return of the Prodigal Son
offers a compelling case for why Christianity is still relevant, beautiful, intelligent and necessary in the modern world.
At one of the lowest points in Henri Nouwen's life he gave a series of lectures on the importance of following Jesus in an age of anxiety. Drawn from those talks, this new work from the archives of the Nouwen estate reveals the deep turmoil and sometimes turbulent inner life of a man who has become an icon of compassion and vulnerablity for Christians and non-Christians alike. Here he writes eloquently about calling and purpose, fear and hope and explains why, with so many choices available to the 21st century seeker including atheism and secularism, the greatest reward for those looking for fulfullment is to choose belief in God. Along the way he offers warm, insightful, practical spiritual practices to help keep readers navigate the narrow, sometimes arduous, but ultimately fulfilling road of conviction and faith.
At one of the lowest points in Henri Nouwen's life he gave a series of lectures on the importance of following Jesus in an age of anxiety. Drawn from those talks, this new work from the archives of the Nouwen estate reveals the deep turmoil and sometimes turbulent inner life of a man who has become an icon of compassion and vulnerablity for Christians and non-Christians alike. Here he writes eloquently about calling and purpose, fear and hope and explains why, with so many choices available to the 21st century seeker including atheism and secularism, the greatest reward for those looking for fulfullment is to choose belief in God. Along the way he offers warm, insightful, practical spiritual practices to help keep readers navigate the narrow, sometimes arduous, but ultimately fulfilling road of conviction and faith.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2019
425 people are currently reading
1648 people want to read
About the author
Henri J.M. Nouwen
450 books2,114 followersHenri 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
May 24, 2022
I’ve been thinking about what I want to say about this book, and any and all words seem to come up short.
“Following Jesus” should be slowly enjoyed, snacked on throughout months at a time. My lack of self control couldn’t do that, so instead I read it over a few days because of how badly I didn’t want to stop.
This book is gentle. It is encouraging. It is simple.
It will be one of my favorite books for years to come.
Read it.
“Following Jesus” should be slowly enjoyed, snacked on throughout months at a time. My lack of self control couldn’t do that, so instead I read it over a few days because of how badly I didn’t want to stop.
This book is gentle. It is encouraging. It is simple.
It will be one of my favorite books for years to come.
Read it.
March 5, 2021
Loved this book so much. This book is a transcription of a 6 part series he did- and his words are so simple and beautiful. Some quotes I saved:
“If change is the condition of service - we are going to be very bitter and very soon. But if service is an expression of gratitude for the love we have already experienced then we can be free and engage in change without trying so hard. Service means to simply bear witness to that new life in you.”
“If change is the condition of service - we are going to be very bitter and very soon. But if service is an expression of gratitude for the love we have already experienced then we can be free and engage in change without trying so hard. Service means to simply bear witness to that new life in you.”
August 9, 2024
Listened to this on the plane. Definitely shed a few tears (who doesn’t love a good plane cry?) This book hit on so many things I’ve been thinking about recently… fear, wounds, patience, love, joy… Nouwen covers it all. V v good. Do recommend. But maybe read it slower than in one plane ride haha
March 10, 2020
I am reading this book in March 2020 as coronavirus is rampaging around the world, changing much about our comforting daily routines. So the subtitle's reference to "an age of anxiety" seems eerily appropriate even though this book, which was published in 2019, is based on a series of six Lenten talks given by Catholic priest Henri J.M Nouwen in 1985 when he was suffering with his own personal and professional anxieties.
This will take Christians back to the basics of why we believe. It is an easy-to-read and easy-to-comprehend book that will not only soothe your soul, but also reinvigorate your faith.
It doesn't take a pandemic to ignite our fears. We are often afraid. Many live with what seems like permanent fear and brokenness. As Nouwen says, "Fear creeps up on us in all kinds of ways." If you don't want that fear to rule your life and taint your happiness, Nouwen says the key is to turn to God—the truth, the light, and the life. That is where we find true spiritual joy and divine healing.
Most of all, this short book is packed page by page with extraordinary wisdom. It is inspirational. It is smart. And it is comforting. Read it!
This will take Christians back to the basics of why we believe. It is an easy-to-read and easy-to-comprehend book that will not only soothe your soul, but also reinvigorate your faith.
It doesn't take a pandemic to ignite our fears. We are often afraid. Many live with what seems like permanent fear and brokenness. As Nouwen says, "Fear creeps up on us in all kinds of ways." If you don't want that fear to rule your life and taint your happiness, Nouwen says the key is to turn to God—the truth, the light, and the life. That is where we find true spiritual joy and divine healing.
Most of all, this short book is packed page by page with extraordinary wisdom. It is inspirational. It is smart. And it is comforting. Read it!
June 29, 2025
Biggest thing that stuck was the reflection of suffering intertwining with joy and Henri’s belief that more often than not those with more privilege are the ones more in a rush to get things done, move on to the next thing, and not be present in the moment nor make space for pure joy and connection. Want to continue to reflect on this.
Read
March 19, 2025some things I will be thinking about:
- the faithfulness of answering the "small questions" in front of you and not dwelling too much on the overwhelming big questions
- laughter and play as divine healing
- how distance can increase intimacy in relationship
- the faithfulness of answering the "small questions" in front of you and not dwelling too much on the overwhelming big questions
- laughter and play as divine healing
- how distance can increase intimacy in relationship
November 30, 2023
Thus ends my journey to actually read all the Nouwen I had been collecting.
Unlike many of the books published after his death, this is less a loose collection of thoughts and more sourced from a specific series of talks that he gave. This gives it a better sense of formation than many of these posthumous publications, but it still kind of feels like a reiteration of a lot of similar ideas. Still, Nouwen's ideas are always good! Every time I am drawn to the delicate, intimate sense of faith he portrays.
I guess I'm just trying to find my passion again. Or rebuild it into something new. Reading Nouwen makes me want to pray again. To hope again. Nouwen understands the anxiety of homelessness, that at the root of Western society is this hurrying to build some form of stability but never arriving. It sounds so simple to slow down and find root in one's belovedness, but it always feels just out of reach. A pleasant dream, a hopeful ideal. Reading Nouwen gives me hope, but I find it oh so hard to cross over into action.
Unlike many of the books published after his death, this is less a loose collection of thoughts and more sourced from a specific series of talks that he gave. This gives it a better sense of formation than many of these posthumous publications, but it still kind of feels like a reiteration of a lot of similar ideas. Still, Nouwen's ideas are always good! Every time I am drawn to the delicate, intimate sense of faith he portrays.
I guess I'm just trying to find my passion again. Or rebuild it into something new. Reading Nouwen makes me want to pray again. To hope again. Nouwen understands the anxiety of homelessness, that at the root of Western society is this hurrying to build some form of stability but never arriving. It sounds so simple to slow down and find root in one's belovedness, but it always feels just out of reach. A pleasant dream, a hopeful ideal. Reading Nouwen gives me hope, but I find it oh so hard to cross over into action.
June 1, 2019
I have been a long time fan of the works of Henri Nouwen. So many of them have meant so much to me in my own personal faith journey. So of course when I had the chance to read an early copy of some of his writings, I was thrilled. I have so many books to read so you know it’s a big deal when I’m reading a book that releases in September in May!
Following Jesus, much like his other works, is deeply thought provoking and quietly contemplative. Nouwen’s writings have the ability to make me stop and ponder life and the way I live it. Each section tackles a different aspect of the spiritual life and what it means to follow Jesus today. I particularly loved the sections he had written on scarcity and abundance. In our current cultural climate so much of our fear based rhetoric is based on a belief in scarcity. But as those who follow Jesus, we know that we have been given all we need and have been invited into abundant life. This section and so many others spoke to me.
Whether you are new to Nouwen or a long time fan, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I can’t wait to get my hands on a finish copy!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Following Jesus, much like his other works, is deeply thought provoking and quietly contemplative. Nouwen’s writings have the ability to make me stop and ponder life and the way I live it. Each section tackles a different aspect of the spiritual life and what it means to follow Jesus today. I particularly loved the sections he had written on scarcity and abundance. In our current cultural climate so much of our fear based rhetoric is based on a belief in scarcity. But as those who follow Jesus, we know that we have been given all we need and have been invited into abundant life. This section and so many others spoke to me.
Whether you are new to Nouwen or a long time fan, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I can’t wait to get my hands on a finish copy!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book!
January 18, 2023
Five quotes for five stars:
"To take up your cross is to have to courage to see your own pain."
"We broken limited persons are windows on the unlimited, unconditional, unbroken, perfect love of God."
"If there is anything worth doing, it is right in front of me."
"Patience means to remain close to the moment and to fully taste where you are so that the seeds that are sown in the moment can grow and lead you to the future. The future is hidden in the present as a seed in fertile ground. By nurturing and tending the soil in which we stand, we come in touch with the promise.
Don’t be impatient. Don’t go back and pull out the seed to see if it is growing. It will not grow if you do that. Trust that a promise is given to you, and that it is hidden in the soil on which you stand. It will grow into a strong tree, but you have to give it time. It will reveal the future to you and it will grow right where you are. Trust that that is what the Spirit does."
That last one counts as two.
Total score: 5/5 stars
"To take up your cross is to have to courage to see your own pain."
"We broken limited persons are windows on the unlimited, unconditional, unbroken, perfect love of God."
"If there is anything worth doing, it is right in front of me."
"Patience means to remain close to the moment and to fully taste where you are so that the seeds that are sown in the moment can grow and lead you to the future. The future is hidden in the present as a seed in fertile ground. By nurturing and tending the soil in which we stand, we come in touch with the promise.
Don’t be impatient. Don’t go back and pull out the seed to see if it is growing. It will not grow if you do that. Trust that a promise is given to you, and that it is hidden in the soil on which you stand. It will grow into a strong tree, but you have to give it time. It will reveal the future to you and it will grow right where you are. Trust that that is what the Spirit does."
That last one counts as two.
Total score: 5/5 stars
January 2, 2021
The thing I love most about Henri Nouwen is the simplicity in his description of the spiritual life. Profound and still so accessible. I read this tiny book over 6 months: so many truths to be reminded of, to let sink in deep. A real gem.
April 25, 2025
This was a gem.
Highly recommend
“If our only concern is “I better help him or her,” or to do things to change a person or the world, or the country, or the politics, or the social condition - if change is the condition of service - we are going to be very bitter and very soon. But if service is an expression of gratitude for the love we have already experienced then we can be free and engage in change without trying so hard. Service is an expression of the gift you have within you that you want to share with others.” - pg 130
Highly recommend
“If our only concern is “I better help him or her,” or to do things to change a person or the world, or the country, or the politics, or the social condition - if change is the condition of service - we are going to be very bitter and very soon. But if service is an expression of gratitude for the love we have already experienced then we can be free and engage in change without trying so hard. Service is an expression of the gift you have within you that you want to share with others.” - pg 130
February 1, 2023
I was a little confused by this because I took MONTHS to read this book and was very bored by it, and then all of a sudden I forced myself to read the last thirty pages and it was awesome. Maybe I wasn’t in the right place for it initially and will re-read one day. I think though I just don’t connect too well with Henri Nouwen’s writing style— I read part of the Prodigal Son and felt similarly.
October 25, 2023
I have always wanted to read something written by Henri Nouwen because I heard so many good things about his books. This one came at the right time and did not dissapoint. Even though it is short there is so much in this book that makes me want to go back, read each chapter slowly and then meditate on it for days. Recommended.
June 17, 2025
What a beautiful book filled with precious reminders of what it looks like to faithfully follow Jesus. I heard of Nouwen for the first time only recently, and when I had the opportunity to listen to this book, I took it. Following Jesus lived within a similar arena as many of the books I have read on suffering. While I’m not wholly familiar with the circumstances of his life, I know that Nouwen had to take up his cross in a unique way, so hearing him talk about the God-given gift of receiving joy in the midst of pain was particularly encouraging today.
Early in the book, he discussed how “the God in me can discover the God in you,” later adding that “the presence of God can recognize the presence of God in others.” I believe I have experienced this beautiful recognition through these pages.
There were a few things Nouwen said that stood out to me. I will include them below for the sake of my own accessibility.
About love for one another, which begins with our relationship with God:
About joy in the midst of sorrow:
A prayer to the Lord Most High:
Early in the book, he discussed how “the God in me can discover the God in you,” later adding that “the presence of God can recognize the presence of God in others.” I believe I have experienced this beautiful recognition through these pages.
There were a few things Nouwen said that stood out to me. I will include them below for the sake of my own accessibility.
About love for one another, which begins with our relationship with God:
When we say to somebody, “I love you,” that really means: “You are a window in which I can get a glimpse of the infinite window of God.” If we say, “I really love you,” it doesn’t mean that the person gives us all that we need. It means, “You bring me in touch with the God that I have already met in the depth of my heart. You are sounding through to me the love that I have in my heart. I am sounding through for you the love you already recognize in your heart.”
This is really what all intimate relationships are about. Love between a man and a woman, between a man and a man, between a woman and a woman, and between people in communities, is love among persons who are sounding through God’s infinite, unlimited, unconditional love. We broken, limited persons are windows of the unbroken, unlimited, unconditional, perfect love of God.
About joy in the midst of sorrow:
What we have to start sensing is that, in the spiritual life, joy is embracing sorrow and happiness, pain and pleasure. It is deeper, fuller. It is more. It is something that remains with us. It is something of God that is very profound. It is something we can experience even when we are in touch with very painful things in our lives. If there is anything the church wants to teach us, it is that the joy of God can be with us always—in moments of sickness and moments of health, in moments of success and moments of failure, in moments of birth, in moments of death. The joy of God is never going to leave us.
A prayer to the Lord Most High:
Lord Jesus: I come to you to enter into the mystery of your way—the way of discipleship, the way that leads from the cross to new life. It is not an easy way, but it is a way of peace and joy. Help me to be here with a heart open to suffering, a mind open to understanding and a will ready to follow. There are many struggles—and I will always have many struggles—but with you, O Lord, I am living in the light. With you, O Lord, I am moving more and more toward life. With you, O Lord, I know I am safe. Let me celebrate my life in a spirit of gratitude: Grateful that I am here, and grateful you are my God. Amen.
June 22, 2024
4.75 starts rounded up.
This was a truly lovely book full of insight and spiritual direction from Nouwen. It certainly a book that I will want to return to again - as well as one that I am sure planted seeds and ideas that I'll only know later - part of Nouwen's wish when he gave the talks that inspired this book.
I did knock it a quarter of a star based on one line when he said he doesn't know if Jesus was every happy/boisterously happy - in a section on how we as humans struggle with describing joy but can easily describe our sufferings. I think this is our own human limitations that is failing to see the Jesus with a twinkle in his eye and quickly ready to laugh.
Still - an absolutely beautiful and engaging read on what it means to follow Jesus.
This was a truly lovely book full of insight and spiritual direction from Nouwen. It certainly a book that I will want to return to again - as well as one that I am sure planted seeds and ideas that I'll only know later - part of Nouwen's wish when he gave the talks that inspired this book.
I did knock it a quarter of a star based on one line when he said he doesn't know if Jesus was every happy/boisterously happy - in a section on how we as humans struggle with describing joy but can easily describe our sufferings. I think this is our own human limitations that is failing to see the Jesus with a twinkle in his eye and quickly ready to laugh.
Still - an absolutely beautiful and engaging read on what it means to follow Jesus.
October 20, 2024
I can do no better than to quote the closing words of this transcription of talks that Henri Nouwen gave at a critical point in his life when he stepped away from academia and scholarship to find his identity in caring for people with intellectual difficulties.
"Ask whether the issues Nouwen brings up connect with your own experience. If so, how? Nouwen does not strive to be right or win an argument. Rather he seeks to be a channel for your own self-discovery."
The message of this book goes right to the heart of God and how he reveals himself to us and walks with us. Deeply personal, it resonates and illuminates in equal.measure. Powerful in its simplicity.
"Ask whether the issues Nouwen brings up connect with your own experience. If so, how? Nouwen does not strive to be right or win an argument. Rather he seeks to be a channel for your own self-discovery."
The message of this book goes right to the heart of God and how he reveals himself to us and walks with us. Deeply personal, it resonates and illuminates in equal.measure. Powerful in its simplicity.
January 9, 2021
He left Peru, confused... took a very prestigious tenured HDS position, only to find utter dissonance and depression amidst such a cutthroat and competitive environment.
Then he went to pastor Daybreak, and his life was less incongruent.
Nouwen and Tournier, for me, since my college days, have been great stalwarts of true faith for me to contemplate and aspire to. Simple Christian fundamentals to live out. Thanks for your published body ; so much to give to God to realign for myself.
Then he went to pastor Daybreak, and his life was less incongruent.
Nouwen and Tournier, for me, since my college days, have been great stalwarts of true faith for me to contemplate and aspire to. Simple Christian fundamentals to live out. Thanks for your published body ; so much to give to God to realign for myself.
January 19, 2022
I received this gift from a man who listens to me on the radio weekday mornings. I love Nouwen, but I think the only reason I picked it up today was that I had finished the last book that I read and it was convenient. However, I told my friend that this was the right book at the right time. There was so much to savor in this book about what it looks like to live a life of love, indwelt by Christ. I will count Following Jesus among my favorite Nouwen books together with Life of the Beloved and The Return of the Prodigal.
September 18, 2023
A lovely piece of literature that I will hopefully read many more times. The writing spoke volumes to my soul in ways I did not expect, and I found myself crying at a few moments.
While the themes and topics that were presented are not necessary “new” to me, I definitely need some time to process my life and how it shows up for me.
While the themes and topics that were presented are not necessary “new” to me, I definitely need some time to process my life and how it shows up for me.
May 6, 2024
Henri is the master of this semi-devotional writing. He makes me actually want to be a better Christian, to follow Christ more closely.
The section on loving your enemies was very personal. Nouwen points out that loving your enemies IS Christianity. I have a lot of work to do in that area.
4.5/5
The section on loving your enemies was very personal. Nouwen points out that loving your enemies IS Christianity. I have a lot of work to do in that area.
4.5/5
February 4, 2025
I cannot even begin to explain how amazing this book is. Nouwen has such a sweet and simple way of explaining profound truths. I felt as if he was speaking from the depths of his soul to the depths of mine. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to start a journey of spiritual formation and practicing the presence of God.
May 21, 2025
this was such a wonderful read — I recommend slowly reading it (and I’ll probably be re reading!)
Nouwen so simply addresses what it means to follow Jesus, moving from knowledge of God to a life lived with the gospel in mind. I appreciate his emphasis on patience, presence, friendship, and simplicity.
Nouwen so simply addresses what it means to follow Jesus, moving from knowledge of God to a life lived with the gospel in mind. I appreciate his emphasis on patience, presence, friendship, and simplicity.
September 1, 2022
This book was such a good and easy read. Was hard for me to not read it all at once! For me, this book is the most straight forward and easy to understand of any of Nouwen’s book. I’m a huge fan and think this would be the perfect fit for anyone to start reading his work.
November 19, 2025
i really enjoyed this book! i think 3.75 is more accurate though! it took me a little while to get used to his writing style, but once i did i really enjoyed it. amazing insights about what it looks like to follow jesus in the reality of daily life.
January 24, 2021
Some very good thoughts on joy and how it is not the opposite of pain or sorrow, but companion to, and how we need to learn to seek and find it.
November 2, 2021
Basically...we over complicate Following Jesus. It's just about being present with each other and with ourselves. What a great, short reminder this book was.
December 18, 2021
Great book! I want to read it again!
March 16, 2023
Nouwen has a way of reminding us that the most powerful God is also the most gentle, sincere, and loving God. Oh, to rest and commune and become more like Him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews