What is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction is a prayerful relationship in which a trained spiritual director listens to and supports someone longing for a deeper relationship with God. While I am formally called a “spiritual director,” I firmly believe the true Director is the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we believe that the Spirit lives within us (Romans 8:9; John 14:17). In this interpersonal ministry, the Spirit is the active force, and my role is more aptly described as “holy listener” and “spiritual companion.” During our time together, I will not judge you or share advice. My prayer is to walk with you and listen to the Holy Spirit for you.

  • As a practice, spiritual direction has a long and rich history dating back to the early days of Christianity. During the 3rd - 5th centuries, Desert Fathers and Mothers emphasized practices such as solitude and prayer as pathways to spiritual growth. One of the included practices was spiritual direction, which became a common tradition in the Catholic church. Individuals such as Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and Eugene Peterson then popularized spiritual disciplines and direction in evangelical circles.

  • Anyone!

    Many individuals seek spiritual direction because they long for:

    • More intimacy with God 

    • Help noticing God in their daily lives 

    • Discernment 

    • Spiritual companionship 

    • Support during life transitions, losses, and challenges

  • Sessions can be either in-person or online. Individuals desiring spiritual direction are invited to share their spiritual lives freely. Each session may include reflective questions, prayer (spoken and/or silent), contemplative exercises, and scripture reading.

    Your sessions are confidential, but mandatory reporting is required for any matters related to abuse, neglect, or harm to yourself or others.

  • Individuals usually meet once a month for an hour. I recommend committing to three months of spiritual direction. After evaluating your personal growth as well as your spiritual journey, then determine if we should continue meeting.

    Some people prefer receiving spiritual direction for a short period of time, such as during a major transition or when discerning life decisions. While others prefer having spiritual direction as another way to engage with God in day-to-day life.

  • Your first session is free. After this initial session, I charge $50 per hour-long session. If this fee is prohibitive, please let me know and we can chat.

Henry Ossawa Tanner, Abraham’s Oak, 1905

How is Spiritual Direction Different?

“The Holy One is with us in all of life. Our purpose for opening the door inward is to help us know and claim who we are so we can completely join with God in expressing this love in every part of our external world.”

— Joyce Rupp