Meditations of the Heart

By: Howard Thurman, Yolanda Pierce - introduction

Narrated by: Susan Dalian

“As poet, prophet, and priest, Thurman builds upon a powerful legacy of ancestral hope: belief in a liberating God who can always be found ‘in and among the struggling.’”
—Yolanda Pierce

A universal beacon of hope and endurance for people of all faiths seeking to meet the challenges, uncertainties, and joys of life

Howard Thurman’s Meditations of the Heart is a beautiful collection of over 150 prayers, poems, and meditations on prayer, community, and the joys and rituals of life by one of our greatest spiritual leaders. Thurman, a spiritualist and mystic, was renowned for the quiet beauty of his reflections on humanity and our relationship with God.

In a new foreword, Yolanda Pierce, dean of Howard University’s School of Divinity, calls attention to the justice-centered theological framework of Thurman’s words. Pierce notes how Thurman brings to light an image of God who can always be found “in and among the struggling,” both in times of weariness and in strength.

First written for and shared with his congregation of the Church for the Fellowship of All Peoples in San Francisco, California, these meditations sustain, elevate, and inspire. They are a universal beacon of hope and endurance for people of all faiths seeking to meet the challenges, uncertainties, and joys of everyday life with a renewed and liberating faith.

Critic reviews

“Even seventy years removed from their initial publication, Thurman’s words are still speaking to our hearts.”
—Yolanda Pierce, from the foreword

“I have read Howard Thurman and been informed, influenced, and girded by his courage, intelligence, and abiding love.”
—Maya Angelou

“In those long midnight hours when morning seems weeks away, the words of Howard Thurman have kept watch with me.”
—Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple

“The minister will find this a source of ideas and illustrations for sermon material. The layman will find it helpful for personal devotions and family worship.”
—San Francisco Chronicle

Necessary read

Very profound and a necessary add to your Christian library. It's gentle and moving at the same time.

The ease of the narration.

Days old wisdom that’s relevant and meaningful for today’s times. The words echo from one ahead of his times indeed,,

Deep Revelation

My desperate need for God's help in every area of my fragile existence was mirrored in this work.

Well organized

I appreciate the organization, titling, and subtitling of these meditations. Each is worthy of careful reflection, so the many short chapters provide pause between each one. Rich and weighty content made more approachable through layout.

Perfect for morning spiritual practices.

Very insightful, from a more tumultuous time than the present, and filled with grace and hope.