Spiritual Direction Linda Lindsay

1. Spiritual Direction Linda Lindsay

2. Old Testament 1 Samuel Chapter 3 – Eli and the boy Samuel Numbers Chapter 11 - Moses being instructed to appoint 72 elders to give spiritual direction New Testament Acts 9 – Ananias and Paul of Tarsus Paul’s letters describing Paul mentoring others – e.g. Timothy and Titus Biblical Evidence

3. Early evidence 2nd Century -John the Evangelist tutored Polycarp 4th Century – John Cassian – introduced mentoring in monasteries Benedict of Nursia integrated Cassian’s guidelines into what is now known as the Rule of Saint Benedict. After the Protestant Reformation the Jesuit order helped to bring structure to the practice of spiritual direction Move towards lay people not only receiving but also giving spiritual guidance.

4. What is Spiritual Direction An ancient tradition within the historic Church whereby an individual seeks to grow closer to God with the support of another person who is capable of helping them hear the Spirit within. • A hunger to know God • A way that an individual explores their journey of faith • Listening to God – with the desire to know and do God’s will • Growing in the Love of God and Charity toward self and others. “Now spiritual direction, simply regarded as a fact is a witness against the world.... Theology must be at the heart of spiritual direction.” Father Faber (died. 1863) The Brothers of the Will of God

5. Spiritual Direction is not Spiritual direction is not a new phenomenon. The origins of spiritual direction date back thousands of years. It is an ancient and venerable tradition. Spiritual direction is not psychotherapy, counselling, or any other type of therapy. It is not a relationship in which the director holds all the wisdom and answers. The director does not “tell you what to do”, but is there to help an individual to discern what God may be calling you to be or to do.  Spiritual direction is not just for priests, rabbis, nuns, monks  Just for people who have a problem. It is about being together, in the presence of the Holy Spirit, to listen and to discern God’s plan for you.

6. Other Traditions Eastern Orthodox – uses a companion or guide Judaism has a spiritual director equivalent Buddhism – student / teacher relationship Celtic Tradition – soul friend (anamchara) Islamic Tradition – spiritual director/teacher/friend – crucial to the tradition of opening the heart.

7. Varying Descriptions • Spiritual journeying • Co-journeying • Soul-friendship • Soul-mentoring • Spiritual-mentoring There is only one Spiritual Director – GOD!

8. The Christian Tradition Jesus, who drew people into relationship; walked with them and illuminated their lives with the startling truth of His father’s Kingdom – and that would seem to be the template for spiritual directors in the Christian Tradition.

9. Quotations • “Spiritual direction is, in reality, nothing more than a way of leading us to see and obey the real Director – the Holy Spirit hidden in the depths of our soul” Thomas Merton, Trappist Monk (1915 – 1968) • “For the avoidance of error, have someone to advise you – a spiritual father or confessor, a brother of like mind; and make known to him all that happens to you in the work of prayer” Theophan the Recluse. (1815 – 1894)

10. The journey to God isn’t meant to be a solitary journey. We walk in communion with others and very often God’s desires for us are made known through another person. Through guidance, support and love.