Spiritual Direction: Listening for God Together
- The Broken & Beautiful
- Aug 14
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 24
The Mystery of Spiritual Direction
I’ve always found it difficult to define exactly what spiritual direction is because people are unique and life is organic, moving, and always changing. Even for the same person, one session can look very different from another.
We are all in a spiritual process. And like so many areas of life, it can be deeply valuable to have someone with us as we reflect on our human experience and notice where God is moving in our stories and life. When we face new experiences, challenging events, pain, or uncertainty, it helps to have someone listen, reflect back what they notice, and ask good, honest questions.
A Midwife for the Soul
When I was training to receive my certificate in spiritual direction, we read a book that described a spiritual director as a midwife of the soul. That image has stayed with me, because it captured the supportive and nurturing role of joining someone in a space that is already naturally happening.
A midwife views pregnancy and birth as normal life events—coming alongside to support women through them. In the same way, I see it as vital to honor the natural, God-given process of what is being spiritually birthed in someone’s life. Every birth is unique, following a familiar rhythm yet unfolding in its own way.
The Studio of the Spirit
Another way I think about spiritual direction is through the lens of art. There are many styles and mediums of art, but each piece is one of a kind. In the same way, each session of spiritual direction is a unique creation. My role is to prepare the space—the “studio”—where the work can happen. The true artists are the Divine and the directee together, shaping something new. As the director, I get the gift of witnessing the creation unfold.
Listening for God Together
In a session of spiritual direction, you can expect a safe and attentive space, where good questions, stillness, and time to reflect are offered—without judgment. All of you is fully welcome as we listen for the movements of God in your life. If you desire a space to listen for the Divine with another present, spiritual direction might be a good fit for you
Comments