What is Spiritual Direction?
(To see ideas for finding a spiritual
director in your area, click here.)
Many
current and former volunteers seek to deepen their faith and explore their
spirituality through spiritual direction. This
resource, which is available in most cities through spirituality centers,
retreat centers, universities and parishes, can be a valuable asset for growing
in one’s own faith journey.
One
way of looking at spiritual direction offered by The Jesuit Center for
Spirituality is:
“The practice of reflecting
on one’s prayer and speaking of it to another person of faith is part of a
long tradition in the Christian churches known as “spiritual direction.”
It is neither counseling nor therapy, neither instruction nor problem
solving. Rather, spiritual
direction is conversation wherein one person reviews his or her prayer with
another in order to become more aware of God’s prompting within. Having a guide in this process helps people to listen more
closely, to discern more carefully, and respond more freely to the invitation of
God in their lives.”
Another,
given by The Bon Secours Spirituality Center states:
“Spiritual
Direction is a spirit-centered relationship in which a trained and experienced
companion assists an individual to reflect on her/his spiritual journey in the
light of the Gospel. It's primary purpose is to enable the individual to
recognize and respond to God's self-communication in their prayer and in the
ordinary happenings of their life.
Spiritual Direction is usually a once a month process in which an individual, or
group, discern God's direction for them. Naturally, this assumes a willingness
to reflect prayerfully and honestly on their faith and to share their story with
another human being.
The ultimate goal of spiritual direction is to relate more consciously and
respond more fully to the God of one's understanding - who is always calling us
to newness of life.”
Some tips for a
consultation with a spiritual director include:
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Find
out about the director’s philosophy of spiritual direction to see if it
matches your own.
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Ask
the director about his/her training in spiritual direction and how long he/she
has been a director.
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Find
out how often the director recommends meeting with you (some people meet weekly,
others meet every other week, while still others meet once a month).
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Find
out what expectations the director has of you as a directee.
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Share
with the director what you are hoping to gain out of spiritual direction and
about your understanding of spiritual direction.
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Find
out what fees are associated with this service.
Some directors offer it for free, although it is customary to offer a
donation. Other
directors have a fee that they require per meeting.
In this case, find out if the fee is flexible if it is beyond your means.
Sometimes, a sliding fee scale may be an option.
If the fee is not negotiable and beyond your means, you
can ask for a referral to other directors who may be able to work with you.
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