This is a very short book on the importance of spending time in prayer for Christians in full-time ministry. The author argues that: 1) Full-time ministry entails reminding people that God heals our past, sustains our present, and guides our future; 2) In order to remind people of these things, it's crucial for full-time ministers to spend time in prayer, because a) Our spiritual life will be stronger when we spend more time praying; b) Seeing ministers spending so much time praying will encourage believers and remind them how prayer can also sustain them; c) Prayer is not just a tool that helps make ministry more effective, but an important part of ministry itself.

I really like how the author's argument that individuals are basically shaped by our memories. We are what we remember. He describes our faith as our "memory" of Christ's healing, sustenance, and guidance. Seen from this lens, religious practices (studying the Bible, listening to sermons/encouragement...etc.) are basically attempts that aim at reminding believers of these past memories. And that is why Moses and the prophets continues to remind Israelites of their salvation from Egypt and the importance of following God's law. I thought this was interesting. ( )

Nouwen’s book presents simple yet powerfully profound expressions of the joys of religious service, prompting the publication New Review of Books and Religion to note that we read Nouwen “to discover new possibilities in our own faith.”

PRAYER; SERVICE