Spiritual Direction is a kind of spiritual conversation between two people. Please read below to learn a little more.
What is spiritual direction?
“Spiritual direction is a prayer process in which a person seeking help in cultivating a deeper personal relationship with God meets with another for prayer and conversation that is focused on increasing awareness of God in the midst of life experiences and facilitating surrender to God’s will.” (David Benner)
“The concern of spiritual direction is not a separate realm, but the deepest dimension of every realm.” (Thomas N. Hart)
At the heart of spiritual direction is listening. Holy listening. You listen to God. I listen to you. Together we listen to and watch for the Spirit’s movement in your life. A spiritual direction appointment is where we take the time to notice how God is moving in your heart, your mind, your life. It is sacred space to be open to the grace of God.
Is spiritual direction really for me?
There are many reasons why someone enters into a spiritual direction relationship. Maybe your recognize yourself in one of the following statements:
“I feel like I’ve been at a plateau for a while. What new frontiers might God inviting me to explore?”
“I would like to explore the intersection between my personal, spiritual life and my life of work.”
“I’ve heard of spiritual disciplines, but I really don’t know how to make sense of them for my life.”
“I would like to know God better. I feel like I am at a stand-still in relating to Him.”
“I want to grow spiritually. What might be some next steps?”
“I can’t see where I am in relation to God. I can’t see where I am headed.”
“My spiritual life doesn’t work the way it used to. I have doubts about what God is
asking of me.”
What spiritual direction is NOT
Spiritual Direction pertains to and is concerned with the spiritual life of the directee. It does not directly concern itself with psychological counseling, psychotherapy, or medical practice of any kind.
How do I begin?
The most simple answer to this question is…PRAY! This is a genuine invitation. Your quest for someone with whom you could share your life, prayer, and your relationship with God is something that should come out of a leading of the Spirit.
If you are in the Southern California area (I live in Mission Viejo), I would be happy to meet with you to explore such a relationship in person.
I am also happy to meet with you no matter where you live. Skype is a great way to connect via cyberspace.
Email me by clicking HERE.
Is there any financial cost?
There is a suggested donation amount of $50 per one-hour session (usually meeting once per month).
©2011 Gem Fadling
