Spiritual Direction: A Practical Introduction

by Sue Pickering

Spiritual Direction is based on the premise that, recognized or unrecognized, God is already at work in people's lives both inside and outside the institutional church. It links contemporary research on religious and spiritual experience with a model of spiritual direction which helps people pay attention to their experience of God, of the divine, of the holy in their lives, wherever they may be. It draws on many biblical examples and the history of spiritual direction to bring together classical and modern views of the faith journey, including facing the dark nights of the soul and the perceived absence of God. Theory is brought to life in a series of illustrative dialogues.

The attitudes, principles, and practices of contemplative, incarnational spiritual direction permeate this book. Sue Pickering demonstrates from her wide experience of forming others in spiritual direction that these can transform all aspects of ministry. Clergy, laity, pastoral workers, chaplains, and community builders are enabled to help others recognize and respond to God's activity, to deepen their prayer and compassion, and to move out in service as God leads.

Practical, realistic, and sensitive throughout, this book offers a comprehensive guide to:

- Different models of spiritual direction
- What makes a good spiritual director
- Discernment: recognizing God in religious experience and in the everyday
- Listening and responding to God
-Listening and responding to ourselves – body, soul, and spirit
- Listening to others – in places of pain, ,vulnerability, or resistance
- Practical spiritual direction in the church and in the community

In addition, it provides ample opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual formation as the reader is invited into the text.

Genres: Spirituality

221 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2011

Reviews

[Gabby · Rating 1 out of 5]

This felt like a textbook

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone in the field of Spiritual Direction. Not only was it informative to read but I'm certain that I will be referencing it often as I journey as a Spiritual Director. It is practical, relatable and informative. In addition, Pickering gives so many examples through sample dialogue so that I, the reader, could almost role play through the conversation. In addition Pickering includes, exercises throughout the chapter to help the reader go deeper in the discussion.

[D.J. Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book on spiritual direction: what it is, listening and responding to God, listening and responding to ourselves, listening and responding to others, listening in context to community, and you are familiar with spiritual direction vocabulary, then this is a five star, clearly buy it, book.

Everything about this book -- writing, style, reflections, examples -- are clear and well-written. No boredom here.

However, if you're not accustomed to spiritual direction vocabulary (let's say you just want to know what spiritual direction is and you're not interested in learning how to participate in spiritual direction), then you might not want to pick up this book.

[Ashley Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thorough Read

Pickering does a fantastic job to capitalize on the purpose of spiritual direction, one-on-one, in groups, and the pros/cons of each. Also, she uses dialogues between directors and directees, honoring all privacy concerns and practicing anonymity to expound on the spiritual director's skill sets, examples of when a referral may be needed, use of silence in session, as well as, prayer and icons to relate to the senses. My eyes were opened to the many ways to practice spiritual direction with directors of the same faith and different. I recommend this book to any seminarian or even lay church members wanting to spiritually and psychologically grow.

[Staci Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful review of Spiritual Direction and Formation.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary and reference book for spiritual direction

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the practice of Spiritual Direction.

[Katrina De Man · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful picture of what spiritual direction is!

[Gracewellworn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth it.

[Bobbi Kraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly helpful overview of spiritual direction for those who desire to provide others with guidance. Plenty of examples, including those that may cause struggle within for directors.

[David Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good overview of spiritual direction!

[Karin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tin! Used as part of a course - discussion definitely enhances the material.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is among the best books i've read on the practice of spiritual direction. It gives an overview of spiritual direction and dives into the art and practice of listening to God, ways of responding to God through different prayer practices and the importance of self-reflection and introspection. Only then does Pickering move into the practice of listening to others, offering a wide variety of situations and issues that often arise in spiritual direction. Finally, she gives practical examples of what spiritual direction might look like and how it might contribute in unique ways in various ministries and congregational settings.