It has since become the prime source of inspiration for my meditation. Although written by two of Henri's disciples, the thoughts and words are his. Beautiful writing, deep thought-inspiring ideas make this book truly special. I have given it as a gift to friends who are dear to me.

This book is much better than I expected - and I like Nouwen. The directions are useful and lead to a wonderful change in life. The result of begining the walk yields peace of soul. The effects of continuing the journey provides spiritual joy. I recommend this for anyone seeking happiness.

Even though I have not entirely finished this book--it is designed to be a slow read--Henri Nouwen is a strong, gentle hand leading the way. His questions to the reader provide an opening into one's own soul and allows it to grow. He is making my "Long Walk" a most pleasant one and I am so excited and anxious to see where my walk will take me.

In the Epistle to the Hebrews, the author states concerning believers of the past that "though they are dead, they yet speak." That is, their witness outlives their lives. Such is certainly true with "Spiritual Direction," a new book published a decade after Henri Nouwen's death.

"Spiritual Direction" is a compilation of Nouwen's course on the topic plus other unpublished writers, developed by two of Nouwen's past students. As such, it is a practical book about the character of the spiritual director, the nature of the spiritual direction process, finding and relating to a spiritual director, and practicing fundamental spiritual formation principles.

Spiritual direction, by many names, has a long (2,000 years) history in Christian circles. Interestingly, as early as the first century after Christ, lay women provided spiritual direction for the Church Fathers. This practice continued unendingly, as even the great Cappadocian Fathers, including Gregory the Great and Basil, received spiritual direction from lay women. A century later, Catherine provided such direction for Cardinals and Popes.

The practice, though not always by this name, has also been performed by laity and clergy in Protestant circles from the days of Martin Luther, by the Puritans, by Methodists, Baptist, Anglicans, and so many more. The African American church, with their "mother wit" and founding fathers of the Black Church also skillfully practiced the art of spiritual direction.

Nouwen's work exemplifies this time-honored practice and is valuable for lay people, ministers, men, women, and students who are Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. Obviously, there are areas of practice impacted and influence by doctrinal difference, but the astute reader will be able to integrate his or her own philosophy of spirituality into their application of this material on spiritual direction.

Reviewer: Dr. Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction, "Soul Physicians, "Spiritual Friends," "Martin Luther's Pastoral Counseling, "Biblical Psychology," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women's Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."