What is Spiritual Direction?
Many Christians are already providing informal spiritual guidance to others, but this practice has never been formally recognized. They may never have considered it a calling. It is just what they do. Discovering spiritual direction frequently validates what many have been doing all along—giving their work a name and motivating them to become more intentional and equipped in providing it.
The term spiritual direction might sound formal or mysterious, but at its heart, spiritual direction is simple, sacred, and deeply personal. It is a prayer process—a sacred conversation rooted in God’s love. It’s about about cultivating a deeper personal relationship with God and help you to:
Pay attention to God in the ordinary and the unknown
Reflect on your life through the lens of faith and grace
Discern where God might be leading you
Practice surrender to God’s loving will
It’s about being present to God, and having someone there with you who holds that space gently, prayerfully, and without judgment.
Some argue that the term director appears overly authoritative or invasive. Many believe that spiritual mentor, spiritual companion, or spiritual friend would be more appropriate titles. They object to the implied authority in the term director and prefer something more obviously egalitarian, something that refers to the other as someone who comes alongside but does not actually "direct”. Nevertheless the language of direction is particularly appropriate in the sense that to direct is to be a companion with a very specific agenda: to assist the other in directing heart and mind to the one most needed, Christ Jesus. We are like Eli, who directed Samuel to be attentive, to recognize God's presence and voice, and to respond accordingly:
The boy Samuel was serving God under Eli’s direction. This was at a time when the revelation of God was rarely heard or seen. One night Eli was sound asleep (his eyesight was very bad—he could hardly see). It was well before dawn; the sanctuary lamp was still burning. Samuel was still in bed in the Temple of God, where the Chest of God rested.
Then God called out, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Yes? I’m here.” Then he ran to Eli saying, “I heard you call. Here I am.”
Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” And so he did.
God called again, “Samuel, Samuel!”
Samuel got up and went to Eli, “I heard you call. Here I am.”
Again Eli said, “Son, I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” (This all happened before Samuel knew God for himself. It was before the revelation of God had been given to him personally.)
God called again, “Samuel!”—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, “Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am.”
That’s when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, “Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, ‘Speak, God. I’m your servant, ready to listen.’” Samuel returned to his bed.
Then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Samuel answered, “Speak. I’m your servant, ready to listen.”
–1 Samuel 3:1-10
Spiritual direction has a clear agenda: to focus our attention, thoughts, and emotions on the presence of God in our lives. It also reminds us of the legitimate role of spiritual authority and accountability in our journey.
If you've ever longed for a deeper spiritual life, or simply wanted someone to sit with you as you wrestle, wonder, or wait—spiritual direction might be a beautiful next step.