Noticing God in Your Life?
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction attempts to uncover the deepest desires of the human heart, pointing toward new choices for spiritual growth and fruitful service. Spiritual Direction also includes the rules for discernment. Discernment helps to decide what is the best way to act. It isn’t simply about relationship with God alone; it is about living out your faith in the real world.
Sharing Your Story.
In Spiritual Direction, it is your oppotunity to share your story. To allow someone else to hear your story with fresh awareness and insight. New questions. New appreciation.
Finding Solidarity
Spiritual Direction is about the discovery that someone else is also seeking and desiring God in their lives. It's learning that you are not alone, but that you are in tune with other seekers.
Having the "God Talk"
Are there times in your day, in your life, that you want to speak with someone about your deepest desire and longing? Do you find it difficult to express this want for an intimate relationship with God? Spiritual Direction is your chance. But the mystery is not in the conversation with your Spiritual Director, it is in uncovering the mystery of the unfolding conversation you are having with God.
Discernment
Are you trying to figure out what God wants for you? His purpose for your life? Discovering which pathway leads to God? Spiritual Direction can help this process.
How Does Spiritual Direction Differ from
Counseling or Life Coaching?
A spiritual director gently guides you so that you might be more aware of the transforming presence of God in your life. A spiritual director does not fix problems or tell you what to do or how and what to think. Nor does a spiritual director coach you on “how to make the most out of life”. A spiritual director helps you grow closer to God and to one another.
Who Is A Spiritual Director?
A spiritual director is an individual who has been trained in the art of spiritual direction. A spiritual director listens to your story with an ear to the movement of God and will help you explore the deeper meanings of this movement. A spiritual director is a companion along your journey of discovering who God is calling you to be. The ultimate director and transformer of lives is God.
What Might I Expect During a Spiritual Direction Session?
During the first meeting with a spiritual director, you and the spiritual director will mutually discern if you want to enter into this relationship. After 3 or 4 sessions, you and your spiritual director will spend some time reflecting on how the sessions are going and if you would like to continue. Usually such assessment is done on an annual basis.
In general, spiritual direction sessions are one hour once per month. However, sessions can be more frequent during times of crisis, a major life change, or upon your request. All sessions are confidential and usually begin with a time of centering followed by listening to your sacred story and how God is present in your life.
What Are Some of the Benefits of Spiritual Direction?
Many of those who have entered into spiritual direction have expressed the following benefits:
• A sense of inner calm and peace;
• A sense of direction in life;
• A sense of living a deeper and fuller life;
• A sense of living in the wonder, awe, and mystery of God.
Is There A Cost?
Usually Spiritual Directors charge between $30-$50 per hour. Or, an offer of volunteer service, on an hour-for-hour basis is welcomed.