Christian Living
For many Christians, the concept of ‘spiritual direction’ may mean different things and for most it is a new concept. However as I venture into my role as a Spiritual Director, I believe that ‘spiritual direction’ is “the skill of Christian listening being exercised in an atmosphere of a person-to-person confidential bond.
Who is a ‘Spiritual Director’?
A ‘Spiritual Director’ is a Christian who is trained to be a knowledgeable leader. The individual will be one who companions another person, listening in concert with the Holy Spirit to the individual’s story of his or her life.
Why use the term ‘Spiritual Director’?
Jeffrey S. Gaines, Mdiv, former SDI Executive Director says this: I would say that "director" really is a misnomer, because God is the Director and I am simply one who companions.
There is a tradition of using the word "director", and I don't see that being changed, but really God is the Director, and the spiritual director simply assists the seeker in uncovering and discovering the direction of God in that person's life. This enables the directee to see, claim, receive, own, and reverence God's voice, God's nudging, and God's acting, in such a way that it elicits a natural and genuine response.”
What does God’s word say?
In scripture we are told to pray for guidance and the following readings support the role of ‘director’ and ‘directee’ as described by Jeffrey S. Gaines:
· Psalm 25:4-7
· Acts 8:26-37
· 1 Samuel 23:1-5
· Psalm 48:1-14
· Jeremiah 29:11-13
· Genesis 19:31-36
· Psalm 16:7-8
As in days gone by, Christians today seek to know God’s will. The Novice in the monastery may seek guidance from the Abbot or more senior brother [or sister]. Younger clergy will seek the counsel of the more mature clergymen and an example of this is found in the relationship between John Calvin and John Knox. Calvin mentored and guided Knox.
Having said all that it is important to understand that ‘spiritual direction’ is not a form of “pastoral counselling’, nor is it to be seen as psychotherapy. While they may seem to be similar there are some important distinctions.
When one has a ‘spiritual direction’ meeting there will be in the midst a silent symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit. Very much like a 'sacred space' the symbol can be in the form of a cross, a bowl of water, a plant, an open bible or a candle. Whichever is used it will be understood that it represents the Divine. Also different from pastoral counseling, ‘spiritual direction’ happens in an atmosphere of prayer and fervent closeness. If you wish to have an understanding about God’s will and your purpose then I urge you to consider “Spiritual Direction” for the journey. You will be filled with discernment and enjoy inner peace and calm.
What I have attempted to share is by no means an absolute, but only an introduction to the subject as I train for Chaplaincy. I encourage to you to learn more from the following resources: Practice of Spiritual Direction by William A. Barry; Exploring Spiritual Direction by Alan W. Jones; Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction and the website http://www.sdiworld.org
Author: R Cecilia Askew
Copyright@2005
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