As pilgrims on life’s journey, at times, we need the help of a spiritual companion to help us ‘blow the dust from our eyes,’ so that we can, once again, discover the presence and activity of God in our lives. Pilgrims seek out a spiritual director when they are searching for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, when they are in transition, seeking discernment, when they are grieving, when they need a spiritually mature individual, trained and experienced in the spiritual disciplines, familiar with the ways of God—even in the mundaneness of life—who is attuned to the nudge of God.
FINDING A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
Finding a Spiritual Director needs to be initiated by prayer, trusting that God will give you discernment, as you talk with two or three directors as a beginning. She needs to be familiar with our Scriptures, and with contemplative approaches to prayer and with the ups and downs of life. He will be mature in his walk and life with God, grounded in the Christian Scriptures. He will have experience in co-discerning the movement and activity of God—even in the mundaneness of life. She will have completed a recognized training program in the practice of Christian spiritual direction, and will be under supervision for her practice as well as accountable to a code of ethics, which you may request.
Although Emmaus Formation Centre can assist you in finding a spiritual director by putting you in touch with one or more of our Team of Spiritual Directors, it is your responsibility to determine who you choose as your spiritual companion. It is common for spiritual directors to charge a fee, the amount of which will usually be commensurate with training and experience, about which you may inquire during your first conversation. You may also wish to inquire whether the spiritual director has insurance covering her practice, as insurance is not provided by Emmaus.
Connect With A Spiritual Director If You Are Experiencing…
- A desire to articulate the journey of one’s faith—the joys and the struggles—to a mature believer in a safe environment
- A desire to learn how to pray
- A longing to move faith from the head to the heart
- A need to move past recent periods of dryness in prayer
- A desire to sense the presence and work God in one’s life transition, with a desire to know God’s leading for next steps
- A strong desire to learn how to follow Jesus more closely, love him more dearly, and know him more intimately
- A need for help in understanding a spiritual experience
- Any other spiritual concerns