Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec

Defining Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is a form of soul care that invites us to examine and give attention to the work of God in our lives.  We may participate in SD as an individual with a spiritual director (or with a spiritual friend) or as a group to listen and hear the voice of Jesus. 

Spiritual direction is “an act of giving attention to what God doing in the person who happens to be before me at any given moment.” (Eugene Peterson, Working the Angles). 

Fryling defines spiritual direction as, “a way of companioning people as they seek to look closely, through the eyes of their hearts, at the guidance and transforming work of God in their lives.” (Alice Fryling. Seeking God Together)   

Very Brief History of Spiritual Direction

Fryling states, “It’s a practice that began in the early years of Christianity when people followed the desert mothers and fathers out to the wilderness to ask them how to know God. Over the years, spiritual direction has appeared in many faith traditions. It was kept alive in the Christian faith mainly through the Roman Catholic Church, but today the Protestant church is rediscovering it. People throughout the Christian church, including those of an evangelical orientation, are experiencing again the gifts that God gives to his people through the loving listening and the gentle guidance of spiritual directors. This gift is usually offered in the context of individual spiritual direction, but the potential for spiritual direction in small groups is a growing and promising expression of the ministry of spiritual companionship.” (Fryling. Seeking God Together) 

The Goal of Spiritual Direction (the Why?)

Spiritual Direction challenges us to move from simply talking about God to acknowledge and recognize our experience with Him and to increase our awareness of His active work in and around us. In general, Spiritual Direction is about our spiritual maturity. Spiritual direction is important because it challenges our deepest needs to share with others our Christian Spiritual Journey. It is a reminder that our (personal) faith is a shared faith, not a private, individual, or solitary matter. 

Spiritual Direction Is NOT…

Spiritual Direction is not a Program. Spiritual direction helps people in their journey to follow Christ – it is not a set program or curriculum. Much of what is discussed is driven by the conversation or need of the individual and the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  

Spiritual Direction is not Advice. Spiritual directors are not intermediaries between you and God. Suggestions and ideas may be offered but it is never to be taken as prophetic, advice or commands. The directee is ultimately responsible to listen and obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

Spiritual Direction is not counselling. Counselling tends to be problem driven and problem solving. Spiritual direction is Spirit centered.  Personal problems may come to the surface, but the goal is not always to solve the problem but to see and experience the working of God. The goal is to grow in your relationship with God more than resolving one’s problems.  

Spiritual Direction is not preaching or teaching. Spiritual direction is not about proclaiming, teaching, exhortation, homilies, expounding, or parsing the scriptures. The focus is on God, to discern and listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit.  We are asking questions like these, “What is God saying you to you?  What is God doing in your life right now?”