The Gift Of Spiritual Direction

Giving spiritual direction and preparing to become a spiritual director are characterized in terms of the preparation, qualities, and practical considerations necessary for guiding fellow Christians.

It is a truism that we live in a time of renewed spiritual self-search and reflection -- the response, some suggest, to a feeling of meaninglessness or superficiality in one's spiritual life. Many people search for someone who will listen, guide, and encourage them -- but entrusting one's very soulcare to another calls for a gifted guide. Written for all those who in any way are involved in spiritual direction and pastoral care, or wish to prepare for the same, Stinissen's book discusses the qualities essential for such counselors/advisers and is meant to renew and strengthen the Church's role as a primary source for meaningful spiritual "therapy." Among the themes explored are listening; dialogue; false and real feelings of guilt; difficulties in prayer; discerning God's will. "Every person longs to be able to expose himself to another human being in his full reality, " writes Stinissen, "with his light and his darkness, and to be accepted and loved just as he is." To that end he emphasizes the important role and responsibility of a spiritual director or "soul friend." In addition to reflecting on specific qualities or qualifications of the director, Stinissen discusses some of the specific questions a director is likely to be asked by the directae and helpful ways of responding in various situations.

We are not alone. God is present with us. And God gives us companions on the journey. A spiritual director is one such companion, offering spiritual guidance to help make sense of the faith journey interpret the significant markers on the road encourage us, particularly through the more difficult transitions and valleys of our pilgrimage and, most of all, to notice the ministry of the Spirit in our lives Gordon Smith writes: Even if we have been Christians and maturing in our faith for many years, we still need the encouragement and guidance that might come through spiritual direction. . . . Genuine humility is evident in our realization that we need a companion, a fellow pilgrim and Christian, who can help us discern and foster an attentiveness to God's presence in our lives. This is the gift of spiritual direction. Whether you are a director, a directee or simply someone who wants to learn more about this ancient ministry, you will find this book to be a helpful guide.

ECPA Gold Medallion Finalist We need companions on our spiritual journey. The modern world has taught us to value autonomy and individualism. Our churches often see spirituality as personal and private. But we cannot go long in our Christian pilgrimage before realizing that isolation leads to spiritual barrenness. We soon discover that our souls long for accompaniment, intimacy and spiritual friendship. As a result, many Christians today are rediscovering the ancient practice of spiritual direction. In this inviting guide, David G. Benner introduces readers to the riches of spiritual friendship and direction, explaining what they are and how they are practiced. Spiritual direction moves beyond mere moral lifestyle accountability and goes deeper than popular notions of mentoring or discipling. Through prayerful, guided attunement to God's activity, sacred companions provide care for the soul. If we are to experience significant spiritual formation and growth, our souls must be nurtured through spiritual companions. Benner, well-accustomed to God's work through relationships, models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.

Spirituality.

Describes the role and practice of a spiritual director as distinct from pastoral care and from psychotherapy. Compares the spiritual director to a midwife for the soul, describing actions of teaching prayer and offering exercise suggestions.