A New Source of Spiritual Help

Do you ever feel like something is missing from your life?

The Spiritual help you need might be Spiritual Direction. Catholics have used Spiritual Directors for centures, but it's only recently that this helpful practice is breaking into protestant circles.

Within each of us lies the desire to find meaning beyond the moment, to discover our true selves, to grow closer to God and to one another. A Spiritual Director can help you satisfy that longing.

In the midst of a busy life, many people find it difficult to notice God's action in their lives. Yet, at the deepest level, all of us long for a more conscious experience of God's presence and love.

You Might Want to Find Out More if . . .

you lack other Christian relationship that can give you spiritual help.

I cannot imagine going through divorce (or any major life transition) without the spiritual help of my Director. Her love and prayers have been a continual source of strength and encouragement to me. She is “Jesus with skin on” for me.

Growing up in all protestant denominations, I was not aware of anyone called a “Spiritual Director.” But through a series of serendipitous phone calls, I found the director I’ve been with for the past 4 years. We meet once a month in her home to listen to what God is up to in my life. Her welcoming acceptance and prayerful discernment has helped me find the courage and confidence I've needed to press on.

What Spiritual Direction Is

and What It Is NOT

IT IS:

Being attentive to God’s presence in another’s life. It is not problem-solving.

Evocative—drawing forth from another his/her own perceptions and impressions. It is not an imposed plan.

Empathetic and accepting. It is not judgmental or authoritative.

Practical and personal. It is not theoretical spiritual help.

Focused on helping another trust God’s abiding presence in every day living. Its goal is not to acquire academic knowledge.

I love how one person described it:

“Oh the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh the thoughts nor measure the words, but to pour them out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away.”

It really can be as lovely as that seems.

And here’s some other good news: the cost is usually mutually agreed upon between a director and directee, based on what the directee can afford. I have never met a director who turned anyone away, nor a directee who stopped going because of the fees. Some directors feel so strongly called to this ministry, they do not accept any fee at all.

To Find Out More . . .

You can read more about Spiritual Directors International Guidelines for Ethical Conduct at Go to www.sdiworld.org

You can look for a Spiritual Director on that site, or check out these options:

For institutes that train ecumenical Spiritual Directors:Go to ChristosCenter.org or Go to Shalem.org OR

If you prefer a strictly protestant model for spiritual help, you can find out more about Larry Crabb’s School of Spiritual Direction at ChristianityTodayLibrary.comOR visit his website, Go to NewWayMinistries.org.

Find a Spiritual Director in your area. Make the phone call. See what it’s like. These people are gifted at tuning in to the Holy Spirit’s work and overflowing with God’s love and compassion. They consider it a privilege to journey with you as you deepen your relationship with God.

You may find, like me,
it’s the one thing you need most to help you on your way.