Using the Bible in Spiritual Direction

Top Highlights

“‘The Word became flesh and lived among us’—or as the Greek literally translated means, ‘pitched his tent among us’ (John 1:14). It can be the experience of every Christian that God still comes to share our lives, but the goal is ultimately to be transformed into God’s own likeness. That will look different for every believer, for each one of us relates to God out of the unique way we are created, and it is the reason that the Bible does not simply set out a single blueprint for every person to copy. The task of spiritual direction is to understand what this work of transformation means in a person’s unique life and experience.” (Page 4)

“Spiritual direction is a relational ministry between two people whereby both are seeking to listen to the Holy Spirit. Directors make themselves available to those seeking direction, offering prayerful support and encouragement to help them listen and respond to God. It is God the Holy Spirit, in fact, who is the real director, so the essential foundation of spiritual direction is a three-way relationship.” (Page 1)

“Finding God in the ordinary is fundamental to knowing God personally and learning to hear God’s voice. Spiritual direction embraces the totality of life, and this is far more important than whether we are using a particular method or following a defined tradition.” (Page 3)

“Spiritual direction is essentially a ministry of integration as it brings together spirituality with psychology, soul care—or pastoral ministry—and theology. It is not psychotherapy with a pinch of mysticism thrown in.” (Page 5)