What is Spiritual Direction?

What is Spiritual Direction?

Since God first started a relationship with humans, Spiritual Direction has been a time-honored ministry. Spiritual Direction is a confidential and loving experience in which God invites the entire person (intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual) into a deeper union with God. Spiritual Direction helps one to “grow in wisdom and grace” (Luke 2: 52).

In Spiritual Direction, there is a clear understanding God is the primary Spiritual Director.

What are the Fruits of Spiritual Direction?

You will feel grounded with a deeper knowledge of yourself and God. As St Teresa of Avila said, “Sometimes the knowledge of self will grow greater than the knowledge of God, and sometimes the knowledge of God will grow greater, but each continues to push the other along” (The Interior Castle).

You will feel peace and a connection to God, others, the natural world, and to your community.

What does a Spiritual Director do?

Mostly, the Spiritual Director actively listens and acts as a spiritual mentor.

Spiritual Directors focus on the directee’s spiritual growth; they may suggest a prayer form, a spiritual practice, or a topic for prayer.

A Spiritual Director/companion is not a trained counselor or therapist. The director may refer to a professional counselor.

Who seeks Spiritual Direction?

Persons who desire to become the person God is calling them to be.

What does a Spiritual Direction session look like?

The session begins, and ends, with a time of silence and prayer. The main part of the meeting is whatever the person wants to bring for discussion.

The meeting may be in-person or an online conversation.

In Spiritual Direction, what do we talk about? 

You may share anything about your life, family, as they connect to your relationship with God. Nothing is off limits!

What does Spiritual Direction cost? 

Spiritual Directors enhance participate in ongoing formation, retreats, personal spiritual direction and supervision. Because these involve costs, most directors accept a fee. Often fees are on a sliding scale and are negotiable. Suggested fees normally fall in the range of $25-$60 per one-hour session. Please discuss what fee is affordable for you.

How do I find a Spiritual Director?

Visit the Idaho Spiritual Directors Network website: www.idaho-sd-network.org, or contact Catherine Wolfer via email: catherine.worlfer@gmail.com.

Also, visit the SDI website (Spiritual Directors International) at www.sdicompanions.org; information about Spiritual Direction and to find a national/global listing of spiritual directors.