Spiritual
Direction
The Process of Direction
Spiritual direction, sometimes referred to as spiritual guidance
or spiritual friendship, is an on-going relationship in which
one person (the directee), desirous of being attentive to
his or her spiritual life, meets with another person (the
director) on a regular basis (approximately once or twice
a month), specifically for the purpose of becoming more attuned
to God’s Presence in order to respond more fully to
that Presence in all of life.
The primary focus of the session is the directee’s
relationship with God as it is reflected and challenged by
all aspects of that person’s life.
The directee assumes responsibility for his
or her life with God. This means that the person coming for
direction is trying to be serious about some form of intentional
prayer and reflection on the God-currents of one’s every
day life and prayer. During the meeting of about one hour,
director and directee seek to enter a prayerful atmosphere
where together they can be attentive to the Holy Spirit who
is in fact the Real Director.
The director may question, challenge, suggest,
support, as seems called for by the Spirit, but ultimately
the directee must own whatever insights are uncovered or course
of action that is to be taken. It is assumed that the directee
has begun a journey with God long before he or she comes into
direction. Also, this intentional journey will continue long
after leaving the particular director. The director is only
a facilitator in the process. The directee must claim the
journey.
Direction & Therapy:
Some Differences
It should be noted that there are distinctions between spiritual
direction and therapeutic relationships. In general it might
be said that therapy and counseling deal primarily with problem
areas of one’s life and attempts to bring healthy resolution
to issues. Spiritual direction is concerned with finding and
responding to God (in the midst of pain or disorder as well
as in the rest of life). Problem/issue solving is not the
primary focus of direction.
The Director
Spiritual Directors may be found among persons of many denominations,
laity, clergy and persons in religious communities. They may
be married or single and may seek their livelihood in a variety
of occupations. What is paramount is that the director is
responding to an invitation from God to participate in this
ministry; that the gift of direction has been called forth
by others; and that the director has sought to enhance the
gift and sharpen skills through means appropriate to her or
his particular needs.
The primary responsibilities of the director
are prayer for the directee and openness to God for what is
truly called for on behalf of the directee during the sessions.
This assumes that the director is taking seriously his/her
relationship with God through intentional prayer, attention
to solitude and regular spiritual direction.
Further, as a means of accountability in this
ministry, and growth as a director, it is encouraged that
directors avail themselves of supervision in a one-to-one
or group setting with others directors. Whatever way this
supervision happens, confidentiality must be observed and
anonymity of directees needs to be preserved.
Fees and Contributions
Usually, there is no set “fee for service”
for direction. It is best to check this out at the beginning.
You may be interested in knowing that the current range of
offering begins at
$25 - $75 per session. Again, this should
be prayerfully shared with the director.
Additional Reading:
Culligan, Kevin, O.C.D.
Spiritual Direction: Contempoary Reading.
NY, Living Flame Press, 1983.
Edwards, Tilden. Spiritual Friend.
NY, Paulist Press, 1980.
Leech, Kenneth. Soul Friend.
NY, Harper and Row, 1977.
May, Gerald. Care of Mind, Care of Spirit.
NY, Harper and Row, 1982.
These books are available at the Spiritual
Director’s library or through religious bookstores.
If Not Direction, then What?
Spiritual direction is not appropriate for
every person. While you may feel the nudge of something needing
attention around human/spiritual growth, direction may not
be what is called for now. Or something in addition to direction
may be called for. You might test out your need through the
following questions and suggestions:
Am I looking for some “how to’s”
in developing a prayer life? Or a group with whom I can pray
and share? Or support for my practice of intentional prayer
and meditation?
• Contemplative Prayer Group
• Local church prayer groups
Are there areas of my life calling for focused
healing prayer that might be supported and directed in a group
setting?
• Local church healing services and/or
prayer groups
Do I want moral, biblical, or theological
guidance for my life? Some persona or group
to explore questions around life issues?
• Local church leadership and groups
Are there specific problems areas of my life
or troubling emotions siphoning off energy? Serious blockage
issues that I want to talk about with another in hopes that
I can find some ways of overcoming the difficulties?
• Counseling or therapy
• 12 Step Groups
Do I feel the need for a “spiritual
friend” with whom I can have an informal mutual relationship
of prayer, sharing and support for one another in our spiritual
journeys?
• Perhaps look at the groups you are
in and take the risk of asking someone to whom you feel drawn
and feel you can trust.
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