Spiritual direction, one on one and in small groups, has become more and more common in recent years. This re-emerging practice of meeting regularly with a spiritual director began some time in early Christian history and was practiced primarily among the clergy, especially in monasteries and convents. These days, both clergy and non-clergy have found spiritual direction a helpful way to break through inner resistance in order to experience God’s presence.
Some prefer other terms for this practice. David Benner, for example, writes this in his book about spiritual direction entitled Sacred Companions.
The common practice is to meet monthly for an hour with a spiritual director. During those sessions the directee may experience times of reflective silence. At other times the director’s questions invite the directee to share events and memories of great joy and great pain. Sitting together with a compassionate listener somehow allows the directee to re-experience these events with new gratitude for the joy and new acceptance of the pain along with a willingness to let the Spirit as Comforter to sooth the inner wounds. The impact on the directee is often a new view of the identity of God as his love becomes more palpable and meaningful.
“Most people would agree that spiritual direction means companionship with another person or group through which the Holy One shines with wisdom, encouragement and discernment….