Spiritual direction is a contemplative process of accompanying someone along the spiritual journey. It is not counseling, nor teaching. Rather, in the spirit of Celtic spirituality, the word "anamchara" (soul friend) comes to mind. The spiritual director and the directee come together, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that one may grow closer to God, and to discern how the Holy Spirit can lead in one's life. You can call it a "collaborative discovery of God", as a friend. Unlike an instructor or a life coach, a spiritual director will ask you questions, and throw you some spiritual challenges, and help you uncover the spirituality in your own walk.
Some of the things a spiritual director can do together with you include:
* Finding God's presence in all things
* Finding your self in a contemporary life
* Learning new spiritual disciplines, prayer, and contemplation
* Discerning God's will in your life and decisions
* Renewal of faith and purpose
* Encouraging and motivating you in your spiritual struggles
* Helping you learn the beauty of silence and solitude in contemplation
Our priests will be more than glad to walk with you in this spiritual journey together. Spiritual direction is for professed baptized Christian family members and close friends only (unless referred to us by our bishops), and our priests will have discernment if they can be your anamchara. We can also serve you online through instant messaging (such as Skype). Prior arrangements must be made through email so that even if your time zone differs from ours, a mutually workable time can be arranged. A typical spiritual direction through Skype with our clergy would be around 15 minutes or less, followed by contemplative prayer on your behalf. We can pray the Prayer of the Heart (Jesus Prayer) together, or contemplate on the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.
Our communion is self-funding and serves pro-bono (our clergy are bi-vocational) and will not require any donation from you for the ministry.
Passages to reflect
When we face adversity, perhaps some of the best passages to remember can be found in Matthew 5:3-12 (DRC), as said by our redeemer and Lord Jesus, on His sermon on the Mount. As disciples of Christ on a lifelong journey of sanctification, we can look at these aspirational goals and find comfort in them.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. 5 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blesses are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. 10 Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: 12 Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.
Blessings and peace of our Lord be with you always.