With Open Hands by Henri Nouwen

This is an unusual book on prayer that is illustrated by photography by Ron P. Van den Bosch and Theo Robert. Translated from Nouwen’s mother tongue, Dutch, he has divided the text & photos into 5 chapters -1) Prayer& silence, 2)Acceptance, 3)Prayer & Hope, 4)Prayer & Compassion, 5)Prayer & Revolution, along with an Introduction ‘With Clenched Fists’ and a conclusion - ‘With open Hands.’ 

Nouwen’s interpretation of his friends photographs speaks volumes of the differing states one can meet & greet prayer, that intense call to God in hope. “Hope means to keep living amid desperation & to keep humming in the darkness. Hope is knowing that there is love, it is trust in tomorrow, it is falling asleep & waking again when the sun rises … And God will be holding you in his hands.” 

Thank you Henri Nouwen. Thank you for this new day.

Iona Parish 721, Ave Marie Press, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1972.