Why Should I have a Spiritual Director?

With everything else we have to squeeze into our schedules, why should we add intentional times of spiritual direction?  Perhaps the better question is how can we not?  Without spiritual direction we can end up spinning our wheels, working at cross-purposes with God, and losing our connection to the well of Living Water.  W. Paul Jones, a Trappist monk and spiritual director wrote, “Spiritual direction is not optional.  Along each person’s pilgrimage are persons who can make one’s journey accountable and whose hospitality makes it possible.  The only choice, then, is whether or not to make one’s direction conscious and intentional, willing to be held faithful to the map that the Spirit discloses step-by-step” (The Art of Spiritual Direction, Upper Room Books, 2002).
 

What is Spiritual Direction?

“The ministry of Spiritual Direction can be understood as the meeting of two or more people whose desire is to prayerfully listen for the movements of the Holy Spirit in all areas of a person’s life  (not just in their formal prayer life).  It is a three-way relationship: among the true director who is the Holy Spirit (which in Christian tradition is the Spirit of Christ present in and among us), and the human director (who listens for the directions of the Spirit with the  directee), and the directee.”     
   
—Tilden Edwards.  Spiritual Director Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul.  Paulist Press. 2001.   

---

"In the spiritual life, the word discipline means the effort to create some space in which God can act.  Discipline means to prevent everything in your life from being filled up.  Discipline means that somewhere you’re not occupied and certainly not preoccupied.

In the spiritual life, discipline means to create that space in which something can happen that you hadn’t planned or counted on."

—Henri J. M. Nouwen

How Can I Benefit from Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual Direction is the process of accompanying someone on the spiritual journey with the goal of discovering where and how God is at work in the details of one’s life.  It invites the person into a deeper relationship with God and thereby into a deeper understanding of the spiritual aspects of being human.

Spiritual direction is not counseling, psychotherapy or coaching.  Spiritual direction is a way of moving farther along the path toward God, farther along the path of abundant life.

You are invited to contact any of the spiritual directors listed in this brochure to learn more about their practice or to schedule an appointment to meet with them.  Be aware that some may charge a fee while others may not.

What Can I Expect to Happen in Spiritual Direction?

> In spiritual direction, you should find a safe place to talk about your spiritual journey and to share your thoughts, doubts, struggles, hopes, and losses. 

> Spiritual directors offer a listening ear, a non-judgmental attitude, and skills to guide you on the path toward a deeper relationship with God.

> Confidentiality is a key component of spiritual direction.  You will want to discuss with your director any limitations to this gift of
confidentiality.

> Spiritual direction can help you discern choices in your life as you learn to listen and see how God is already at work in your circumstances.

> Your spiritual director may suggest certain
spiritual disciplines, methods of prayer, reading material, or other resources to help you along the way.

> Through spiritual direction, you may discover or further discern a call God has placed on your life.  You may also find ways to fulfill your call without suffering burnout.