Life Quote by Henri J.M. Nouwen
““For most of my life I have struggled to find God, to know God, to love God. I have tried hard to follow the guidelines of the spiritual life—pray always, work for others, read the Scriptures—and to avoid the many temptations to dissipate myself. I have failed many times but always tried again, even when I was close to despair. Now I wonder whether I have sufficiently realized that during all this time God has been trying to find me, to know me, and to love me. The question is not “How am I to find God?” but “How am I to let myself be found by him?” The question is not “How am I to know God?” but “How am I to let myself be known by God?” And, finally, the question is not “How am I to love God?” but “How am I to let myself be loved by God?” God is looking into the distance for me, trying to find me, and longing to bring me home.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J.M. Nouwen, 1992
Spiritual fulfillment comes from allowing God to discover, know, and love us, not from seeking Him.
In simple terms: Let God find you rather than searching for Him.
Key Takeaway
Open yourself to divine love.
Themes
faith
humility
trust
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
hopeful
Type
spiritual
inspirational
When to use this quote
- prayer
- confession
- counselling
- life crises
Key Concepts
divine pursuit
self‑surrender
intimacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you become more receptive to God’s presence?
- What does “being found” feel like?
A Different Perspective
Human effort alone cannot guarantee divine connection.
