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What is Spiritual Direction?

This is an ancient ministry, sometimes called Spiritual Counsel, Prayer Guidance, or Soul Friendship. It is about taking the time to meet with another person and talk about one's spiritual journey, prayer and search for God. Many people find that this pattern of reflective companionship can be a significant help.
 
Why?
People seek this ministry at different points in their lives and for various reasons. It can be a way
  • to make better sense of your faith journey.
  • to find clarity and support at times of significant life choices.
  • to respond more deeply to God’s presence and move forward towards wholeness and freedom.
 
Who?
The person offering this ministry will be a person of prayer who makes the commitment to accepting you as you are and where you are. The companion or guide’s role is to support the discernment of God’s activity in your life.
 
What can I talk about?
The important thing is that this is a ‘sacred space’ into which we can bring anything but into which we do not have to bring anything. There are no expectations, and no judgement. It is a listening and accepting space.
  • Sometimes the person has a sense of something happening in their life and needing to make sense of it in a spiritual context: ‘Where is God in this for me?’
  • Sometimes people have a particular spiritual issue they want to work through
  • Sometimes it is as simple as: ‘How can I pray?'
  • Sometimes it is an individual’s awareness of God inviting them to ‘something more’, and needing help to work out what that is really all about.

So the answer to the question is: ‘Anything that impacts on your relationship with God.’

How?
People usually meet face to face, normally in the accompanier’s home, but other arrangements can be made if, for whatever reason, this is not possible.
 
How often?
It can vary from every few weeks to twice a year. The length of the meeting also varies according to individual need. However a very common pattern is to meet about once every six weeks for an hour or so.
 
Does it cost anything?
For some who offer this ministry, this is their livelihood and they need to be paid, while for others, they can offer this ministry free. Whether payment is expected or nor will be made clear.