Spiritual Direction is an ancient tradition in which one person invites another to accompany them as they seek to enter a closer and more vibrant relationship with God. A spiritual director is someone who is trained and gifted to listen, discern, ask questions, and walk with another as they grow in their faith and deepen in their awareness of the Holy One within and throughout the world.
Together the “director” and the “directee” listen to the true director, the Holy Spirit, for God’s presence, invitations, and movement in the directee’s life. While this listening time together is contemplative and reflective in nature, it results in a more purposeful and grounded engagement and loving involvement with God in the world.
In a direction session, all of life is welcomed, for God is present to all things at all times. This means that directees can discuss issues of suffering, frustration, anger, joy, gratitude, curiosity, fear, growth, and decision making. Such issues and others may surface in life, work, ministry, and relationships.
Spiritual Direction is not counseling, discipleship, mentoring, pastoral care, teaching, or coaching. While there may be overlap at times, direction is a unique type of relationship. The agenda is set by the Holy Spirit and the directee. The focus is on listening, and the role of the director is to travel alongside – not lead. The director most often offers questions, not answers. Spiritual Direction is really offered as support…
