If we think of God being as close to us as our very breath, then breath prayer is a natural. Breath and spirit are closely linked in both the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament.  In the book of Job, Elihu tells Job, “the spirit of God has made me and the breath of the Almighty gives me life,” and in the gospel of John, when Jesus appeared to the disciples after resurrection, he breathed on them and said, “Receive... Read more

If images speak louder than words to you, then your spiritual director may invite you into guided imagery at times. It’s a way of letting your imagination mingle with the Spirit and run free. You can also use guided imagery on your own in your prayer time. Here are three of my favorite, simple ways to use images: Imagine yourself the director of a stage production sitting off to the side of an empty stage. Imagine thoughts to be like... Read more

We need to practice stillness in order to become comfortable with it. When the Psalmist wrote “Be still and know that I am God,” he was telling us that to be in relationship with God, we need to settle down and become peaceful and still. Since knowing and experiencing God is what spiritual direction is all about, the practice of Centering Prayer can be very helpful both to directors and directees. This prayer is not something you would ordinarily practice... Read more

Have you ever read something  that led to such a deep and exciting insight that you had to stop, read it again, mull it over and sink into gratitude for having stumbled across just what you needed to read? If so, you know something about the essential spiritual practice of lectio divina—the Latin term for “sacred reading.” The practice of reading a sacred text over and over, mining it for meaning and clarity, is probably as old as reading itself.... Read more

Reflecting on our lives is the heart of spiritual direction. Our life is where we meet and experience the Source of all life, so looking at where we’ve been and what we’ve become is how we develop awareness of the Spirit’s way of being with us. There is no better prayer practice for reflection than the Ignatian Examen, sometimes called the Awareness Examen or just the Examen. It is precisely what its name implies—an examination (the loving, gentle kind) of... Read more

Spiritual direction is a specialty ministry. It is designed to assist those who long for a companion on their spiritual journey. It’s not particularly goal-oriented like life coaching or diagnostic like therapy. Not everyone needs spiritual direction. Some people find guidance in a host of other places: within themselves, from friends, from spiritual reading, or by taking classes. So, who needs spiritual direction? In many cases, people will choose a spiritual director during a particularly significant time in their life—a... Read more

In spiritual direction as in much of life, you have to be careful. While most spiritual directors (I believe) are highly ethical and want only the best for you, there have been cases of abuse by spiritual directors. That is why I recommend everyone interested in spiritual direction (directors and directees) obtain and read a copy of the small booklet A Code of Ethics for Spiritual Directors so that you know what is and is not acceptable behavior by a... Read more

When you enter a spiritual direction relationship you are entering a world in which there is a specific culture and ethics but no actual overseeing body that can guarantee your rights. So, like much else in life it is a case of “let the buyer beware.” Most spiritual directors are kind, loving and highly ethical people. But there have been cases of abuse by spiritual directors. So what can you rightly expect in spiritual direction? What do the highest ethics... Read more

Although there is no governing body overseeing and monitoring spiritual directors, there is a code of ethics we work by. Developed in the early 1990’s by spiritual directors who were also working in confidential helping professions such as social work, therapy, pastoral counseling and pastoral ministry, this code is found in an inexpensive booklet by Dove Publications called A Code of Ethics for Spiritual Directors. This booklet is mandatory reading and study for anyone working as a spiritual director. But... Read more

The first session with a new spiritual director can sometimes feel as awkward as a first date. You have a lot you want to know about the director and he or she has a lot they want to get to know about you. That’s why it can be hard to tell from just one session if you have found a good fit. In the first session, the director may have some introductory material to present to you. He or she... Read more