Spiritual Direction

The Process of Direction

Spiritual direction, sometimes referred to as spiritual guidance or spiritual friendship, is an on-going relationship in which one person (the directee), desirous of being attentive to his or her spiritual life, meets with another person (the director) on a regular basis (approximately once a month), specifically for the purpose of becoming more attuned to God's Presence in order to respond more fully to that Presence in all of life.

The primary focus of the session is the directee's relationship with God as it is reflected and cha1lenged by all aspects of that person's life.

The directee assumes responsibility for his or her life with God. This means that the person coming for direction is trying to be serious about some form of intentional prayer and reflection on the God-currents of one's every day life and prayer. During the meeting of about one hour, director and directee seek to enter a prayerful atmosphere where together they can be attentive to the Holy Spirit who is in fact the Real Director.

The director may question, challenge, suggest, support, as seems called for by the Spirit, but ultimately the directee must own whatever insights are uncovered or course of action that is to be taken.  That the directee has begun a journey with God long before he or she comes into direction is assumed. Also this intentional journey will continue long after leaving a particular director. The director is only a facilitator in the process. The directee must claim the journey.

Direction and Therapy: Some Differences

There are some notable distinctions between spiritual direction and therapeutic relationships. In general it might be said that therapy and counseling deal primarily with problem areas of one's life and attempt to bring healthy resolution to issues. Spiritual direction is concerned with finding and responding to God (in the midst of pain or disorder as well as in the rest of life). Problem/ issue solving is not the primary focus of direction.

Finding a Director:

It seems important to pray about finding a spiritual director, asking God to guide your search and to open your eyes to the possibilities available to you. Accompanying this prayer should be the exploration of avenues already known to you for persons whose spirituality speaks to you though they may not name themselves or be recognized as "qualified" spiritual directors. Such persons may be found among parish staff, persons with whom you have shared small groups, or others who seem to attract you for reasons unclear to you. If no one rises from these more natural settings, then you might check out nearby retreat centers, religious communities, or centers which offer programs for spiritual directors.

It will probably take some time to find the right person for you. If God is in the felt need for a director, however, then it is safe to assume that the Spirit will eventually provide the resources you need. The key is to remain patient yet diligent in the waiting, to trust God in the process, remaining attentive to the direction of the Spirit in all of life.