Hospitality: The Heart of Spiritual Direction

by Leslie A. Hay

In this latest addition to the Spiritual Directors International Series, professional spiritual directors and those in formation programs learn to extend traditional forms of hospitality by living out its deeper meaning as they explore ways in which the spirit of hospitality enriches the spiritual direction experience.

The Spiritual Directors International Series - This book is part of a special series produced by Morehouse Publishing in cooperation with Spiritual Directors International (SDI), a global network of some 6,000 spiritual directors and members.

107 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2006

Reviews

[Alex Strohschein · Rating 4 out of 5]

My own experience of receiving spiritual direction has always been characterized by a spirit of hospitality and in this short book, veteran spiritual director Leslie A. Hay explores this concept. While scholars like Christine Pohl have written profoundly on the practice of hospitality, Hay's audience is specifically that of spiritual directors. She draws on biblical examples, notably Abraham receiving the three guests at the Oaks of Mamre and Benedictine spirituality. She offers suggestions on how to foster a hospitable environment (free from distractions like noise, rambunctious pets, allergy-inducing perfumes, etc...), how to receive guests, how to embody hospitality itself, and challenges that spiritual directors may encounter in attempting to offer hospitality. This is a gentle book whose ecumenism sometimes extends out of the bounds of the Christian tradition.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are too many gems in this thoughtful, well researched book to name. I consider it a must read for those with the calling to the ministry of Spiritual Direction.

[Gerlinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

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