Is an ancient practice finding its way to the contemporary lives of Christians thinking “there must be more than this.” A Spiritual Director attunes to the presence and activity of God in a person’s life experience. Spiritual Direction is a divine practice for anyone seeking consolation and discernment from any Christian background, age, or level of spiritual experience. However, those who have entered difficult seasons such as grief, doubt, dryness, and great disappointment make terrific candidates for receiving Spiritual Direction services.
Brief History
Early 5th century Celtic Christians in Ireland said “this is a person to whom you could reveal the deep intimacies of your life. ..rooted in love that was prepared to negotiate the world of your inner contradictions and woundedness to bring you closer to God.”
A Spiritual Director provides presence rather than certainty, and engages in prayerful listening instead of giving advice. The presence of a Spiritual Director can offer comfort without resorting to clichés, and foster hope amidst mystery, doubt, and uncertainty. If you find that God seems distant in your daily life, seeking Spiritual Direction could be beneficial for you.
Counseling often deals with the past; coaches help with goals and steps toward the future; but the Spiritual Director holds Christ’s presence with you and attunes to the activity of the Holy Spirit in the moment and current context of circumstances.
A Perspective
As an experienced Counselor, Inner Healing facilitator, and Spiritual Director, I integrate all my skills and experiences into each session. However, I will focus on the specific role requested by the individual, whether it is counseling or spiritual direction.
Receiving Spiritual Direction
may present opportunities for becoming aware of new approaches and practices for connecting to God and raising self-awareness. We are always spiritually forming, but in Spiritual Direction, we will be attuned to the transformation God is currently doing.
