When meeting with a spiritual director, it can be helpful to have some topics in mind to discuss. Here are some possible topics:
1) Current spiritual practices and how they are going. This can include discussing prayer life, meditation, service, etc.
2) Any struggles or challenges in the spiritual life. This could include things like doubt, temptation, apathy, etc.
3) Any specific questions or topics you would like to explore spiritually. This could include things like scripture, the nature of God, the role of suffering, etc.
4) Any significant spiritual experiences you have had, both positive and negative.
5) Your spiritual history, including how you came to your current spiritual beliefs and practices.
6) Your plans and goals for the future, both short-term and long-term, in regards to your spiritual life.
7) Anything else that is on your heart and mind that you would like to share.
Spiritual direction is a time to freely share whatever is on your heart, so do not feel like you have to stick to any particular topic. The most important thing is to be open and honest with your spiritual director, and to listen to any guidance or wisdom they may have to offer.
How do you pray?
How do you pray? This is a question that many people ask, yet the answer is not always clear. Prayer is a conversation with God. It is a way to connect with the divine and to ask for guidance, wisdom, strength, and support.
When you pray, you are not just talking to yourself – you are talking to the God who created you and loves you. This is why it is important to find a quiet place where you can be alone with your thoughts and focus on your conversation with God. It is also important to be honest and authentic in your prayer. Tell God what is on your mind, and don’t hold back.
There is no right or wrong way to pray. Just talk to God from your heart. You can use words, or you can simply sit in silence and meditate on His presence. There are many different types of prayer, but they all have the same goal – to connect with the God who loves us and wants to hear from us.
So, how do you pray? Just start talking to God. He is always listening, and He wants to hear from you.
What is your spiritual history?
My spiritual history is long and varied. I was raised in a Christian home and went to church every Sunday. My parents were very involved in the church and I grew up singing in the choir and going to Vacation Bible School. As a teenager, I went through a phase where I rebelled against my parents' religion and started exploring other options. I read books about different religions and philosophies and tried out a few different things, but nothing really clicked for me. Eventually, I came back to Christianity and found a church that felt right for me. I've been involved in my church ever since and have found a lot of comfort and strength in my faith.
My spiritual journey has been a winding one, but it has ultimately led me back to the faith of my childhood. I am grateful for the love and support of my family and church community as I continue to grow in my faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to talk about in a spiritual direction session?
God or spiritual beings you are aware of or sensing in your life What spiritual insights, guidance or comfort do you need? How do you experience God or grace in your life? What specifically feels inviting, supportive or helpful to you? How might you want to grow in connection with God? Exploring emotions, relationships and thoughts that are lower-light, difficult or challenging for you (these can include hurt, lashings of anxiety, resentment…) – how does any of this make you feel? What would it look like for these patterns to be released from your life? Observing what areas of your life are heading in a good direction and fostering expansion into new territory (this could involve intentionally setting goals and dreaming bigger). Conversely, what areas might need some attention? What ideas do you have or resources do you know about deepening spiritual practice, techniques like journaling
What should I look for in a spiritual director?
There are no set requirements for becoming a spiritual director, but many people prefer someone who has a prayer life themselves, is patient and encouraging, and has experience working with individuals of different religious and spiritual backgrounds. In general, a good Spiritual Director: fosters an atmosphere of openness is knowledgeable about the spiritual tradition or paths you may be pursuing has spent time studying and thinking about the practice of spirituality as it relates to your own personal journey understands that change takes time and patience, but also believes that there’s something valuable for you to learn in every moment
Will a spiritual director walk my path?
No. Spiritual direction does not take its place. Your relationship with God already deserves your attention.
Is spiritual direction right for You?
Spiritual direction is an approach to spiritual growth that enables individuals to find their unique path in life and connect with a guide or teacher along the way. While there is no simple answer to this question since everyone’s journey will be different, some things you may want to consider before deciding if spiritual direction is right for you include your beliefs, values and goals for yourself. Additionally, it’s important to ask yourself whether you feel comfortable opening up emotionally and sharing your concerns with a guide; spiritual direction can provide a safe space for exploration. If all of these factors seem like they would be compatible with a spiritual direction experience, I encourage you to explore what options are available in your area.
What can you expect in a spiritual direction?
Generally speaking, this is what you can expect in spiritual direction: A person willing to walk alongside you on your spiritual journey. This person can walk with you in silence or in dialogue, in peaceful times or terrible times. The point is presence.
