Spiritual Direction
What is it?
A meeting between an individual and a director (or accompanier) in the presence of God. It is journeying with a fellow pilgrim and being supported in exploring how to go deeper in faith. It is taking time to enter a sacred space with support. It is setting aside an hour to be focussed in God’s presence.
How do you meet?
You may meet with your spiritual director face to face in their home, at a specific venue such as a retreat centre, or on a walk at an agreed venue. Many spiritual directors now meet with individuals on line so that no travel is involved.
How often do you meet?
This is individually determined and could be very regularly or a couple of times a year. Often meetings are at 4-6 week intervals.
What do you talk about?
You can bring whatever you wish to a direction meeting and your director will accompany you in seeking God’s presence in the situation you identify. You may bring nothing but yourself and come into God’s presence with your director and explore the silence.
Who are spiritual directors?
A range of people who have undergone training in spiritual direction/accompaniment. Some work within a range of Christian spiritual traditions, others within one such as the Ignatian tradition. Spiritual Directors have a code of conduct and engage in regular supervision.
Is there a financial cost?
Some spiritual directors offer this ministry free of charge, for others it is part of their reimbursed work and charges may be between £30 and £40 per session.
What do I need to know or read about beforehand
You do not need any experience or specific knowledge to come to spiritual direction, just a curiosity and desire to journey more deeply into the Divine. Come with great faith or a tiny mustard seed of faith and enter this pilgrimage of exploration.
How can I find out more?
Below are some websites that offer information about spiritual direction and how to find a spiritual director.
Epiphany Group http://www.epiphanygroup.org.uk
ISC: Glasgow https://www.iscglasgow.co.uk
London Centre for Spiritual Direction https://www.lcsd.org.uk
Retreat Association https://www.retreats.org.uk
You are also very welcome to the diocesan mission board for additional information
Diocesan Mission Board
