Is Spiritual Direction for me?
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual direction is an interpersonal relationship in which we learn how to grow, live, and love in the spiritual life. It is a process through which one person helps another person understand what God is doing and saying. Discernment is a crucial gift in the work of spiritual direction.
In spiritual direction, there is absolutely no domination or control. The spiritual director guides another in spiritual things through the spiritual world by spiritual means. God has ordained that there be spiritual mentors among his people. This is the structure of love in practice.
The nature of the Christian life is such that no one grows spiritually without some help from others. Even the most mature Christian needs help from others from time to time. Spiritual direction is simply the formalization of this basic fact of life.
Adapted from Richard Foster, “Spiritual Formation Agenda” and Simon Chan, Spiritual Theology
There are many reasons individuals seek spiritual direction. Some include:
A desire to be close to God.
God has wired us for deep connection with Him. Sometimes, we hit a wall of depth and intimacy when we’re on our own. We need some healthy accountability and friendship to help us dive deeper in our spiritual life through spiritual practices and rhythms.
A time of transition or significant change.
Whether you’re experiencing a positive or negative time of transition or change, God wants to be with you in the midst of it all. It could be a job change, the birth of a new child, becoming an empty-nester, the death of a loved one, going through a divorce, or something else … God wants to speak to you.
Feeling spiritually drained or burned out.
Burnout happens to the best of us. Whether you’re involved in ministry work or work for a business, we can become easily depleted when we are not tapping into the source of life. Jesus invites us to find real rest in him as we “learn the unforced rhythms of grace” (Matt 11:29).
Areas of Focus Include:
Discovering your belovedness in God
Understand in your bones that the Triune God dwells and delights in you.
Becoming attuned to the Holy Spirit's voice
Develop a keen sense for when God speaks and how he may be speaking to you everyday.
Life-giving spiritual rhythms & practices
Embrace centering prayer, examen, welcoming prayer, silence, solitude, and many other ancient practices within modern life.
Experiencing contentment and peace
Abide in Him through spiritual companionship and habitual spiritual practices.