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We cannot change the world by a new plan, project, or idea. We cannot even change other people by our convictions, stories, advice and proposals, but we can offer a space where people are encouraged to disarm themselves, lay aside their occupations and pre-occupations and listen with attention and care to the voices speaking in their center.

— Henri Nouwen

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More quotes by Henri Nouwen

I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self.

In the Name of Jesus (1989)

We often confuse unconditional love with unconditional approval.

Bread For the Journey (1996)

Prayer is not a pious decoration of life but the breath of human existence.

The Wounded Healer (1972)

Fear makes us run away from each other or cling to each other but does not create true intimacy.

When we walk in the Lord's presence, everything we see, hear, touch, or taste reminds us of Him. This is what is meant by a prayerful life.

The Living Reminder: Service and Prayer in Memory of Jesus Christ (1977)

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Henri Nouwen (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.