Henri Nouwen’s Prayer of the Heart. Contemplation as Key to Spiritual Transformation

John de Gruchy discerned the present as a Kairos moment for the Western church with a renewed interest in the monastic and mystical. This article seeks to make a contribution by exploring spiritual transformation through Henri Nouwen’s eyes. After explaining his guiding motif, this article will explore his ultimate spiritual movement, from illusion to prayer, by investigating his claim that before the unitive phase in transformation might be experienced, illusions need to be unmasked. Next, contemplative prayer as a spiritual practice to complete this ‘swing’ will be examined. One of the most compelling ways Nouwen practiced contemplation, Visio Divina, will be described as an example of his contemplative practice, complemented by de Gruchy’s own exploration of icons as a means of grace. The practice will be placed in everyday life as a practice for ordinary people. Finally, it will be claimed that the ‘swing’ from illusion to prayer was for Nouwen centred in the heart and fulfilled in a permanent moment-by-moment interaction between a spiritual seeker and God ending in the Divine embrace.