beginning in spiritual direction
"The imagination plays a great role in the
spiritual development of the soul."
--
St. John of the Cross
Do you wish to form an intentional relationship with a person who could provide mentoring, support, and challenge for you as you nurture a life of dependence on Christ? If so, you may wish to find a spiritual director, or a soul friend.
Spiritual direction is a gift from God. Both lay people and clergy can make excellent soul friends. Keeping an open mind about your director is wise. You may be surprised at the kind of person who makes the "best" soul friend for you.
To find a spiritual director:
1. Pray about it. Seek Divine guidance. Trust that God will lead you to the person who is right for you.
2. Ask close friends you trust or maybe your pastor. A strong referral from a trusted friend goes a long way. Sometimes friends and clergy will know about persons who are gifted in the art of sharing the life of Christ-dependence.
NOTE: The life of serious, intentional dependence on Christ is intimate. For this reason, use discretion when talking about spirituality, especially with casual friends. Many people find the topic of prayer unsettling or embarrassing -- so, out of respect for such persons, be wise when discussing your prayer life, especially in casual conversation.
3. Email ( Direction@DwightFriesen.com ) or call ( 206.276.3992 ) me and we can discuss Spiritual Direction on a more personal level. And see if we might be a fit for this time in your life.
* * * * * * *
While being accountable to spiritual director greatly benefits a disciplined prayer life, that relationship alone cannot accomplish everything. In addition to a spiritual director, the person who is serious about the life of prayer needs to formulate a rule. This may be done in consultation with a director, or by oneself.
"A true artist always puts something of his time in his art, and also his soul."
-- Auguste Rodin
