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Deep Is the Hunger
Meditations by Howard Thurman on timeless religious A Sense of History, A Sense of Self, A Sense of Presence, and For the Quiet.Originally written for the bulletin at the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco.
228 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 1978
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About the author
Howard Thurman
66 books340 followersHoward Washington Thurman was an author, philosopher, theologian, educator, and civil rights leader. As a prominent religious figure, he played a leading role in many social justice movements and organizations of the twentieth century.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 23, 2022
For The Apostles Of Sensitiveness
Between his positions as chaplain at Howard University and at Boston University, Howard Thurman (1899 -- 1981) co-founded the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco and served as its pastor from 1944 -- 1954. This church was the first ecumenical house of worship in the United States and welcomed individuals from every racial, national, or religious background. Thurman's work for the church was a lasting accomplishment.
During the course of his work, Thurman prepared short weekly meditations for Sunday services together with additional short remarks he delivered before sessions of silent meditation. Thurman ultimately gathered his meditations into three volumes of which "Deep is the Hunger" is the first. In his autobiography, "With Head and Heart", Thurman's explained the origin of the book's title. In a meeting with the publisher, the publisher remarked that a friend had given a series of lectures about religion which had been attended primarily by psychiatrists. Thurman remarked that this was evidence of how "deep is the hunger" for spirituality; and the title for the book was born. In his autobiography, Thurman writes further about the meditations: "From the beginning, the meditations were a channel through which I was able to place my own resources at the disposal of those who shared experientially in my pilgrimage. But there was more! The meditations were an experience of my own hunger and hope. Through them, I joined the spiritual quest of those to whom I ministered."
Thurman's explanation of the subtitle of the book, "Meditations for the Apostles of Sensitiveness", is also worth noting. In "Deep is the Hunger" he refers to Paul's letter to the Philippians and comments: "To have a sense of what is vital, a basic and underlying awareness of life and its potentialities at every level of experience, this is to be an Apostle of Sensitiveness." Thurman's goal was to bring a sense of the potentialities of life to his congregation and to his readers.
The book is divided into four sections, each of which consists of short numbered meditations, some of which are in poetry. Each meditation is intended to be read separately rather than as a continuous narrative. Thurman writes "The attempt is not to set forth a connected series of observations or reflections, but rather to throw a shaft of light on aspects of thought. of life, of religious experience as they are encountered in the daily round."
Each of the book's four sections has a theme, and Thurman offers a few introductory words on the first three sections. In the first section, "A Sense of History", Thurman remarks on the "universal urgency for both personal and social stability" and on the need for the development of a fresh sense of history and of the interconnectedness of events. In part 2, Thurman offers meditations on "A Sense of Self" He writes that "the assumption of democracy, that the quality of infinite worth is the priceless ingredient in human life and relations, must be examined and re-emphasized. The meditations in the third section of the book explore "a sense of presence". Thurman writes: "To state it in the simplest language of religion, modern man must know that he is a child of God and that the God of life in all its parts and the God of the human heart are on and the same. Such an assurance will vitalize the sense of self, and highlight the sense of history, with the warmth of great confidence." The final section of the book "For the Quiet Time" consists in part of reflections on the process of meditation itself.
I found many beautiful and thoughtful passages in this book together with some writing that seemed to me more routine. Readers should linger over and think about the parts of this book that touch something in them. Thurman initially prepared these meditations to be delivered and heard individually rather than to be read one after the other in a book. It is valuable to remember the origins of these meditations in reading the book, which should be done slowly and a little at a time.
I have been learning a great deal in reading books by and about Howard Thurman. These meditations are an effective way to become involved with Thurman's message and teaching.
Robin Friedman
Between his positions as chaplain at Howard University and at Boston University, Howard Thurman (1899 -- 1981) co-founded the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco and served as its pastor from 1944 -- 1954. This church was the first ecumenical house of worship in the United States and welcomed individuals from every racial, national, or religious background. Thurman's work for the church was a lasting accomplishment.
During the course of his work, Thurman prepared short weekly meditations for Sunday services together with additional short remarks he delivered before sessions of silent meditation. Thurman ultimately gathered his meditations into three volumes of which "Deep is the Hunger" is the first. In his autobiography, "With Head and Heart", Thurman's explained the origin of the book's title. In a meeting with the publisher, the publisher remarked that a friend had given a series of lectures about religion which had been attended primarily by psychiatrists. Thurman remarked that this was evidence of how "deep is the hunger" for spirituality; and the title for the book was born. In his autobiography, Thurman writes further about the meditations: "From the beginning, the meditations were a channel through which I was able to place my own resources at the disposal of those who shared experientially in my pilgrimage. But there was more! The meditations were an experience of my own hunger and hope. Through them, I joined the spiritual quest of those to whom I ministered."
Thurman's explanation of the subtitle of the book, "Meditations for the Apostles of Sensitiveness", is also worth noting. In "Deep is the Hunger" he refers to Paul's letter to the Philippians and comments: "To have a sense of what is vital, a basic and underlying awareness of life and its potentialities at every level of experience, this is to be an Apostle of Sensitiveness." Thurman's goal was to bring a sense of the potentialities of life to his congregation and to his readers.
The book is divided into four sections, each of which consists of short numbered meditations, some of which are in poetry. Each meditation is intended to be read separately rather than as a continuous narrative. Thurman writes "The attempt is not to set forth a connected series of observations or reflections, but rather to throw a shaft of light on aspects of thought. of life, of religious experience as they are encountered in the daily round."
Each of the book's four sections has a theme, and Thurman offers a few introductory words on the first three sections. In the first section, "A Sense of History", Thurman remarks on the "universal urgency for both personal and social stability" and on the need for the development of a fresh sense of history and of the interconnectedness of events. In part 2, Thurman offers meditations on "A Sense of Self" He writes that "the assumption of democracy, that the quality of infinite worth is the priceless ingredient in human life and relations, must be examined and re-emphasized. The meditations in the third section of the book explore "a sense of presence". Thurman writes: "To state it in the simplest language of religion, modern man must know that he is a child of God and that the God of life in all its parts and the God of the human heart are on and the same. Such an assurance will vitalize the sense of self, and highlight the sense of history, with the warmth of great confidence." The final section of the book "For the Quiet Time" consists in part of reflections on the process of meditation itself.
I found many beautiful and thoughtful passages in this book together with some writing that seemed to me more routine. Readers should linger over and think about the parts of this book that touch something in them. Thurman initially prepared these meditations to be delivered and heard individually rather than to be read one after the other in a book. It is valuable to remember the origins of these meditations in reading the book, which should be done slowly and a little at a time.
I have been learning a great deal in reading books by and about Howard Thurman. These meditations are an effective way to become involved with Thurman's message and teaching.
Robin Friedman
February 21, 2018
Howard Thurman is an important American leader--spiritually and socially--who gets little credit. I'm very fond of him. This book of a hundred fifty or so meditations is like an envelop of seeds....some fall on the pavement and don't sprout at all, others in little cracks and begin to grow but don't succeed. Many fall in deep rich soil and are fodder for much reflection. Good stuff to include reading one or so a day.
February 1, 2022
This is a collection of devotional thoughts Thurman developed for his congregation at the Church of all Nations. In many ways he deals with the ordinary issues of life, telling simple stories and offering simple truths. The book is divided into four sections: A Sense of History, A Sense of Self, A Sense of Presence and For the Quiet Time. The last section is largely a series of prayers and poems and can be returned to again and again. I used this book as the devotional it was designed to be and over time, found the meditation to cause me to reflect on my life and my relationship with God in simple yet profound ways.
February 2022 - I re read this book as a daily devotional.Thurman's insights are deeply moving and are guides for a vital spiritual life
February 2022 - I re read this book as a daily devotional.Thurman's insights are deeply moving and are guides for a vital spiritual life
November 17, 2024
What drew me to Deep is the Hunger was its timelessness and influence, but what kept me reading was the practical nature of the author’s spiritual advice offered in brief passages, anecdotes, and examples, all grouped thematically (history, self, presence, quiet).
When in the market for a new devotional, one that offers gifts again and again for my spiritual reading practice, I often open a new title randomly in search of immediate connection. Though Deep is the Hunger was first published in 1948, Thurman’s take on the allure of esteem seemed contemporary. “[One] who depends upon externals for significance, who must look to others for the nod of the head, is one whose life is constantly at the mercy of whatever it is he is courting.” Just a few pages later I discovered this succinct definition of true spiritual poverty: “to keep oneself constantly reminded that he is not sufficient unto himself.”
I am grateful to the faith-filled friend who recommended this book and others by this pastor, philosopher and teacher whose biography is almost as remarkable as his shared wisdom. He met Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and in 1944 founded a church for all races with a white co-pastor. More mystic than theologian, more unifier than activist, he saw his role in the civil rights movement as ministering to—not marching with—leaders including Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson and John Lewis. He is credited with originating the idea that non-violence is a core Christian value, even for the disinherited. Clearly ahead of his time in reclaiming Christian contemplative prayer practice, his congregation regularly began services with these meditations. They are a treasure I am glad to have discovered in time for Advent. I no doubt will return to the depth of this hunger again and again.
When in the market for a new devotional, one that offers gifts again and again for my spiritual reading practice, I often open a new title randomly in search of immediate connection. Though Deep is the Hunger was first published in 1948, Thurman’s take on the allure of esteem seemed contemporary. “[One] who depends upon externals for significance, who must look to others for the nod of the head, is one whose life is constantly at the mercy of whatever it is he is courting.” Just a few pages later I discovered this succinct definition of true spiritual poverty: “to keep oneself constantly reminded that he is not sufficient unto himself.”
I am grateful to the faith-filled friend who recommended this book and others by this pastor, philosopher and teacher whose biography is almost as remarkable as his shared wisdom. He met Mahatma Gandhi in 1936 and in 1944 founded a church for all races with a white co-pastor. More mystic than theologian, more unifier than activist, he saw his role in the civil rights movement as ministering to—not marching with—leaders including Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson and John Lewis. He is credited with originating the idea that non-violence is a core Christian value, even for the disinherited. Clearly ahead of his time in reclaiming Christian contemplative prayer practice, his congregation regularly began services with these meditations. They are a treasure I am glad to have discovered in time for Advent. I no doubt will return to the depth of this hunger again and again.
November 29, 2021
Thurman will be my meditative read for the year. A number of his books await my perusal. Composed of brief vignettes or meditations, they still serve as a source of challenge, insight, and comfort. Next up is his Mood of Christmas for this Advent season.
June 14, 2020
Everything I've ever read by Howard Thurman is completely worthwhile, spiritual sustenance. Highly recommend.
December 30, 2020
Preacher, Author, Theologian, Mentor, Mystic, Civil Rights Leader, Prophet...Howard Thurman was and remains a treasure. I'm grateful for his voice that remains as relevant today as during his life. This is a great book to begin to familiarize yourself with this great saint.
March 2, 2021
Thurman as a pastor.
October 19, 2021
Wide-ranging brief wise meditations from a consummate pastor and thinker.
March 26, 2021
A Mystical Feast
Howard Thurman’s profound humility and penetrating insight is reflected on every page. His ability to identify and illustrate the presence of the “Holy” in the “everyday” provides a banquet for any hungry soul. You will be filled, satisfied and changed.
Howard Thurman’s profound humility and penetrating insight is reflected on every page. His ability to identify and illustrate the presence of the “Holy” in the “everyday” provides a banquet for any hungry soul. You will be filled, satisfied and changed.
March 24, 2021
Full of Hidden Treasures of Wisdom
After reading Thurman’s “Jesus and the Disinherited” I immediately wanted to know more about this man whose insights and perspective attracted me. “Deep is the Hunger” has deepened my hunger to continue this exploration into this simple prophet for our times.
After reading Thurman’s “Jesus and the Disinherited” I immediately wanted to know more about this man whose insights and perspective attracted me. “Deep is the Hunger” has deepened my hunger to continue this exploration into this simple prophet for our times.
August 5, 2017
Awesome
Prophetic, insightful, poetic. A deeper revelation of life and ones connection to all creation. Dr. Thurman's view of God and man's desire to be accepted by GOD is inspiring.
Prophetic, insightful, poetic. A deeper revelation of life and ones connection to all creation. Dr. Thurman's view of God and man's desire to be accepted by GOD is inspiring.
April 27, 2022
profound, nourishing devotional
This is an intimate, realist devotional written by the great liberation theologian. I will read everything by Howard Thurman. Bravo.
This is an intimate, realist devotional written by the great liberation theologian. I will read everything by Howard Thurman. Bravo.
March 27, 2017
This book has been my Lenten devotional and I have been deeply fed by Thurman's words. He speaks with a quiet and informed strength. I can see why he was Martin Luther King's mentor.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews