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Using the Bible in Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is increasingly popular among Christians of all mainstream traditions, with demand for directors outstripping supply in many places. And although the Bible is central to the practice of spiritual direction, very little has been published on how best to use it in this form of ministry. Experienced spiritual director Liz Hoare explores the central role the Bible has played in Christian experience, in order to discourage poor, shallow, or rigid use of the Bible, which can lead to damage and inhibit spiritual growth. According to Hoare, the goal of spiritual direction is not a personal improvement plan but a people who are being shaped into the likeness of Christ, for the flourishing of the church as a whole. Using different methods of praying with the Bible and drawing on historical traditions of Christian spirituality, as well as current literature and practice, this book offers a rich, stimulating, and thoroughly biblical resource for all those who give and receive spiritual direction.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 10, 2022
I discovered this book because one day I was sitting back and thinking, "I wonder if anyone has written a book about the use of Scripture in spiritual direction." Voila, here it is. Liz Hoare (tutor in spiritual formation and dean of women at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford) has given a winsome introduction to spiritual direction itself as well as the role of Scripture in it.
Hoare demonstrates that not only should the Scriptures sustain spiritual directors as they train, refresh, and nurture their own spiritual lives, but the Scriptures can and should be used in the task of direction. Biblical metaphors and characters can validate directees' experiences and give them the necessary language and images to express themselves; Psalms and inspirational verses can be effective catalysts for spiritual growth; and any passage can be the vehicle through which the Holy Spirit moves, inspires, and creates.
Hoare argues (contrary to very many books on spiritual direction) that the Bible is not simply "useful" or "optional" in direction; besides the Spirit and two people talking with each other, it's the only other indispensable thing. Direction cannot happen without the Word of God, as read, contemplated, or remembered in the Scriptures, going forth between God and the director and directee and then back to God. It is the necessary "grammar" of direction, whether or not a Bible is cracked open during a session or if the Bible (as such) is even brought up. The Scriptures record the experiences of people as God moves among them; it is written that we may believe in Christ and become His disciples. If even the "plot" or major features of God's Word are kept in mind during direction, then the space is open for God to continue to create or strengthen faith and to lead us into deeper discipleship.
As I note above, very few books on spiritual direction examine the elevated place the Scriptures hold in spiritual direction. In addition, many contemporary spiritual direction books even avoid overtly Christian language, references to Christian creeds or doctrines, and orthodox Faith communities. Hoare is an evangelical, Bible-loving pastor who is unafraid to state up front her Christian beliefs and the necessity of rooting all of direction in the community of the Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Unless direction is Christ-like and Christ-rooted, then it is something else, and not actually spiritual direction. This is not to say that direction must take place between Anglicans only or Catholics only; indeed, it is broad enough to welcome people of all backgrounds. But the director must be in the business of Kingdom-building, she or he must be cognizant of the origin and committed to the mission that direction holds alongside all the other activities in the worldwide Christian Church. It holds one place among many; but it is a very important place.
Hoare demonstrates that not only should the Scriptures sustain spiritual directors as they train, refresh, and nurture their own spiritual lives, but the Scriptures can and should be used in the task of direction. Biblical metaphors and characters can validate directees' experiences and give them the necessary language and images to express themselves; Psalms and inspirational verses can be effective catalysts for spiritual growth; and any passage can be the vehicle through which the Holy Spirit moves, inspires, and creates.
Hoare argues (contrary to very many books on spiritual direction) that the Bible is not simply "useful" or "optional" in direction; besides the Spirit and two people talking with each other, it's the only other indispensable thing. Direction cannot happen without the Word of God, as read, contemplated, or remembered in the Scriptures, going forth between God and the director and directee and then back to God. It is the necessary "grammar" of direction, whether or not a Bible is cracked open during a session or if the Bible (as such) is even brought up. The Scriptures record the experiences of people as God moves among them; it is written that we may believe in Christ and become His disciples. If even the "plot" or major features of God's Word are kept in mind during direction, then the space is open for God to continue to create or strengthen faith and to lead us into deeper discipleship.
As I note above, very few books on spiritual direction examine the elevated place the Scriptures hold in spiritual direction. In addition, many contemporary spiritual direction books even avoid overtly Christian language, references to Christian creeds or doctrines, and orthodox Faith communities. Hoare is an evangelical, Bible-loving pastor who is unafraid to state up front her Christian beliefs and the necessity of rooting all of direction in the community of the Triune God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Unless direction is Christ-like and Christ-rooted, then it is something else, and not actually spiritual direction. This is not to say that direction must take place between Anglicans only or Catholics only; indeed, it is broad enough to welcome people of all backgrounds. But the director must be in the business of Kingdom-building, she or he must be cognizant of the origin and committed to the mission that direction holds alongside all the other activities in the worldwide Christian Church. It holds one place among many; but it is a very important place.
August 15, 2020
In a growing field of Spiritual Direction, Liz Hoare writes to those desiring to use the Holy Scriptures of the Christian tradition in their practice.
As one studying to become a Spiritual Director, I found this book informative, instructive, inspirational and one I will refer to again and again in my practice.
As one studying to become a Spiritual Director, I found this book informative, instructive, inspirational and one I will refer to again and again in my practice.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews