Your Questions About Christian Spiritual Direction Answered
Laura Longville
Christian spiritual direction is a process of accompaniment and guidance in the spiritual life. It is a relationship between a director and directee, in which the director helps the directee to grow in their relationship with God. Spiritual direction is not counseling, therapy, or advice-giving. It is a space for the directee to explore their own spiritual journey with the support and guidance of the director.
Spiritual direction is a prayerful ministry of presence. The spiritual director’s role is to accompany another to discern the presence and activity of God within their lives; to uncover the often subtle movements of the Spirit, and to have the courage to faithfully respond to the leading of God.
There are many benefits to Christian spiritual direction. It can help you to:
Grow in your relationship with God
Develop a deeper prayer life
Make sense of your spiritual experiences
Navigate difficult times in your life
Find direction for your life
Become more like Jesus Christ
If you are interested in Christian spiritual direction, there are a few things you can do. First, find a qualified director. There are many different types of spiritual directors, so it is important to find one who is a good fit for you. You can ask your pastor, priest, or other trusted Christian leader for a referral. You can also search online for spiritual directors in your area.
Once you have found a director, you will need to schedule a time to meet. The first meeting will usually be an intake session, in which the director will get to know you and your spiritual journey. After the intake session, you will begin meeting regularly with your director. The length of each session is typically 50 minutes.
During your sessions, you will share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your director. The director will listen attentively and ask questions to help you explore your spiritual journey. The director will not give you advice or tell you what to do. Instead, they will help you to listen to God's voice for yourself.
Christian spiritual direction can be a powerful and transformative experience. It is a time when you take an intentional pause in your month to deeply notice your spiritual life. It’s a slowed-down process in the fast-paced world we live in.
If you are looking for a way to grow in your relationship with God, I encourage you to consider finding a spiritual director.
I listen from a contemplative evocative approach that originates in Ignatian Spirituality. I listen attentively and ask questions rather than instruct. In a previous blog, CHRISTIAN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION: A JOURNEY OF GROWTH AND DISCOVERY you’ll learn more about spiritual direction, how it works, and the gift spiritual direction can offer
Click here to learn more and to set up an initial spiritual direction session.