Behold the Beauty of the Lord: Praying with Icons Fortieth Anniversary Edition

Behold the Beauty of the Lord invites readers into a contemplative encounter with God through four sacred icons that profoundly shaped Henri J. M. Nouwen's prayer life. In opening his heart to these holy images, Nouwen discovered the presence of God-and he invites us to do the same.

Icons are not merely works of art. They are windows into the mystery of the invisible, created to draw us into prayer and lead us closer to the heart of God. To the untrained eye, icons may seem rigid or unfamiliar, failing to stir the emotions or the imagination. Yet through patient, prayerful gazing, these sacred images begin to speak, revealing the beauty and love of God.

In this spiritual classic that has sold more than 125,000 copies, Nouwen guides readers beyond the history and artistic value of icons to discover their deeper purpose. With the insight and warmth that have made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of our time, he shows how icons open our hearts to eternity and invite us into deeper communion with God.

Featuring full-color reproductions, Nouwen reflects on four celebrated icons, each revealing a different dimension of the Christian life:

• The Holy Trinity invites us to dwell within the house of divine love.
• The Virgin of Vladimir assures us that we belong to God and points us to Christ.
• The Savior of Zvenigorod unveils the compassionate face of the Lord.
• The Descent of the Holy Spirit commissions believers to bring God's love into the world.

Together, these icons proclaim the mystery of salvation and remind us that we are called into the loving communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through Mary, we are led to Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are sent forth to make God's love visible to others.

Perfect for readers seeking deeper prayer, Christian contemplation, and spiritual growth, Behold the Beauty of the Lord offers a timeless invitation to gaze upon these holy images and discover anew the beauty of the Lord.