What is spiritual direction?
Spiritual direction is an ancient ministry in the church. From the earliest days of Christianity, believers have found it to be a benefit and a joy to discuss their spiritual life with another Christian on the journey. Just being able to articulate to another believer our experience of life in the Lord is of immense value in itself, as it is not everyone with whom we can share such an intimate part of who we are, and know that it will be respected and received.

In spiritual direction, the director helps the directee become more aware of and responsive to the real Presence of God- both in those activities called "religious" and in the ordinary and routine circumstances of daily life. While there is nothing that is inappropriate for you to bring to the spiritual direction conversation, anything discussed will always be discussed from the perspective of your relationship with God. This is the unique focus of spiritual direction, and one of the main differences between direction and psychotherapy, or other forms of counseling. As our relationship with God is ongoing, so is spiritual direction ongoing.

What exactly do you talk about in spiritual direction?

• Certainly, your prayer life. Your director will eventually want to know what prayer means to you, how you pray, when and for how long, what it’s like for you, what happens when you pray, how God seems to you when you pray, how you address God, how you imagine God etc. Your director might have suggestions for you, and can help you find a way of prayer that is right for you.

• Any decisions you might be facing. Helping you with spiritual discernment is a major role of the spiritual director.

• Your personal relationships. Talk about the important people in your life, who you love and feel loved by, conflicts you are dealing with, how God is revealed to you through the people in your life etc.

• Your relationship with the body of believers, your experience of liturgy and your involvement in ministry.

• Any personal problems, your physical health, or just about anything else. Your director will help you explore these from the perspective of your relationship with the Lord.

Choosing a spiritual director
A spiritual director is not the same as a confessor, so while certainly you can discuss any areas of sin in your life if you wish, you are not expected to give any kind of regular inventory of sins. Neither is a director someone who will solve your problems for you, but rather one who will help you to look at them in the light of God’s grace.

When looking for a spiritual director, seek someone who is mature in the Lord, someone who has a gift for the ministry of spiritual direction, and knowledge and training in theology and spirituality. A good background in psychology is also helpful. Personal compatibility is of great importance. Your director must be someone you can trust enough to open up to, someone whose words you would take with great care, whose thoughts and views on life you respect. If you are not reasonably comfortable with your director after several sessions, seek another.

If you feel called to pursue direction, begin by considering what you are hoping for from direction, and what type of director you might feel most comfortable with - a man or a woman, younger or older, etc. Pray about this before proceeding, then if you have someone in mind, set up an appointment to discuss the possibility of meeting for spiritual direction.

Be prepared to ask questions like: What is your approach in doing direction? Have you any specific expectations of directees? How often do you like to meet with directees? Do you have a particular approach to the spiritual life?

Be prepared to answer questions like: "What leads you to seek direction at this time in your life? What do you hope to gain from receiving direction?"

The Spiritual Renewal Center has offered spiritual direction to individuals since its beginning in 1978, and can help you connect with a good director. If you would like to begin meeting with someone, or if you have any questions about spiritual direction, contact the Center.

Read about our Spiritual Directors.