Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life

I picked up *Discernment* by Nouwen a few weeks ago with a dual interest: I was eager to read the next book in Nouwen's spirituality trilogy and I was beginning to experience new turbulence within my workplace which created desire for wisdom in navigation.What I received was very helpful, very formative guidance in the practice of listening.There wasn't much that was profound, per se, in Nouwen's writing this time, but this is his genius writing on discernment. Discernment isn't wisdom from the sky that enables you to connect the dots toward fulfilling your dreams. Instead, discernment is becoming awake to the Voice of God that we read recorded in the Scriptures and which speaks to us in the same way through friends, experiences, and desires - all which are things that re-member the words we've previously read from the Bible.The goal, Nouwen wrote (and I paraphrase) is to be formed in the likeness of Christ, and to thus participate in God's mission of redemption, right where God has us. So again, the practice of discernment is the practice of listening; it's more an act of submission rather than discovering the route of more control.Early on, *Discernment* writes out a theology of discernment that illumines a true intent for discernment (what I paraphrased above).The remainder of the book takes an memoir-like stroll through Henri's life as he teaches the practice of paying attention to God. These journeys are like journal entries that unpack an earlier statement in the book:"I can see no other path to discernment than to be committed to a life of unceasing prayer and contemplation, a life of deep communion with the Spirit of God. Such a life will slowly develop in us an inner sensitivity, enabling us to distinguish between the law of the flesh and the law of the Spirit." (p.24)My "take-away" from the book is the reminder that to be truly discerning of God's will and desire, one must be immersed in the words and ways of God that are most vividly revealed in the Gospels and the rest of Scripture. Familiarity with God's Voice will make it easier to hear and follow God's will and desires, things that will always end up looking like (and forming us to be like) Jesus.This means that discernment will be hard to receive through a simple trick or through a short stint of prayer, no matter how earnest. A well discerned and well lived life will be the Spirit's gift through a disciplined immersion in the Scriptures, in prayer, in community, and in the presence of the poor.[Final Note: *Discernment*, like Nouwen's *Spiritual Direction* and *Spiritual Formation* are post-humous collections of Henri's thoughts and words taken from class notes, journals, and books. Friends of his have collected these and placed them into a book format that feels quite seamless. They must have known him quite well.]

Love his work. have not finished book year, but would recommend this and other about Nouwen....Just completed a three day retreat about him....So very interesting and Spiritually encouraging. His writings are very interesting and clear. Enjoy

To be precise, the book's contents were collated from Nouwen's unpublished spiritual writings by Michael J. Christensen and Rebecca Laird. However, Nouwen's voice is preserved. Not all theoretical practices but Nouwen shares his own experience of discernment, of how discernment is an act in waiting (passion), of how we should first know who we are (beloved child of God) before we asked what is God's purpose for us. Nouwen is grounded in human experience and is empathetic that following Christ is not easy. However it is possible if we believe and understand that Christ is with us till the end of time. Reflection questions at the end of each chapter may not be easy pieces for everyone, but then in kairos time, we may get our answers. :-) I enjoy the three Appendices at the end of the book.

Discernment by Henri Nouwen is at the top if not the best book on spiritual discernment I have read so far. I believe all of us would like to understand better how to discern not just God's voice in our daily lives but also the various signs and calls we sense. This book adds a much needed element to spiritual formation and following God.Preface: What This Book Is AboutDiscernment, is about reading the signs of daily life to “remember God” (memoria Dei), God’s time (kairos).Foreword: Henri’s Way of DiscernmentInstead of seeking a life free from pain and suffering, we should trust that Jesus is present in our pain and suffering. Henri believed that we can discern the depths of our lives and vocation only if we surrender our ego-centered view of reality.Discernment is a discipline and practice that requires us to cultivate trust, love, faith, hope, and courage.When we accept our complete belovedness, we stop judging ourselves and other people; as a result, other people begin to feel safe with us.Chapter One: Embracing the Practice in Solitude and CommunityIf a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.I found that my anger and my desire to be special and to be admired all bubbled up in my times of solitude.Most important is how we read— not to understand or control God, but to be understood and formed by God.Discernment grows out of the life of faith rooted in community.Discernment reveals new priorities, directions, and gifts from God.Our desire to be successful, well liked, and influential becomes increasingly less important as we come closer to God’s heart.We have the freedom to say yes to God’s call and to choose to live it in very specific ways.Thus God has a real chance to form us into lights in the darkness, a source of hope for many in the world. That, after all, is the true goal of spiritual discernment.Make a list of all the activities and desires of your heart that you believe are pleasing to God.Discernment performed alone often can become delusion. We need each other.

I am looking forward to starting from scratch now that I know there are two previous books in this series from one of my favorite Christian seeker and student of life. Don't read straight through this material, but savor it or share with a small group as there are discussion starters after each chapter. I will be approaching my parish about offering it or start one myself.The book was delivered fast, pristine condition, fairly priced and a real gem! I recommend reading the others in succession, even though I jumped the gun, I am passing on this info to all future readers.

These are the thoughts of Henri Nouwen on dicerment. As always, easy to read and understand.

Livro excepcional, muito inspirador, relata de forma leve o amor de Jesus por nós. Reforça as bases e a importância do amor e direção de Deus nas nossas decisões. Recomendo a leitura.

Henri Nouwen never disappoints, if you've read any of his other books you will love this one. If you've never read any of Henri's books I can highly recommend them, his writing is easy to understand and so full of wonderful insights.

Excellent

Interesting book, built much upon the life experience of Nouwen, and the mystical writings of Thomas Merton. Helpfully organized around the discernment one can have of God's direction in books, people we meet, significant episodes in our life, and balance between individual and community spiritual disciplines of accountability.