General Idea of Spiritual Direction - Research Paper Example

Literature Review Spiritual Direction Introduction Spiritual direction has been considered to be an important element of Christianity due to several reasons. It has been based upon creating focus and understanding for human beings through the development of several competencies. It is based upon a tradition that is found in the bible. Spiritual direction is found in the life of the Apostles who sought to gain knowledge and wisdom by pondering over the signs of the Divine. Many Christians obtained valuable wisdom, intelligence, and knowledge over the years through their direct experiences with God. This became a source of inspiration for millions of individuals who were living in miserable conditions. Spiritual direction has biblical roots but its approaches and techniques have changed with the passage of time. Hence it is not concerned with imparting moral discipline or virtues in human beings. Its overall aim is to provide guidance by creating a direct relationship with God. Such an approach helps to increase the faith and conviction of human beings. Spiritual direction encompasses divergent paths which lead to the truth. It is based upon direct experiences that form the basis of inspiration for millions of Christians. Spiritual direction is essential for attaining enlightenment and intellectual development. It fosters a climate of openness and transparency which is crucial for motivation and communication with God. Healing is a process that must be pursued for the individual because it helps to increase the spiritual growth of the individual. A pastor must listen carefully to the individual while asking questions in a nonjudgmental manner. This helps to prevent bias or discrimination from tearing the entire healing process. It helps to enhance the overall process by focusing on outcomes rather than sentiments and outlooks. Background Spiritual direction as the set of techniques and procedures that provide focus and meaning to human beings. It is concerned with opening the mind of individuals by suppressing negative notions and outlooks. It seeks to foster spiritual growth and maturity through divine inspiration (Barry & William, 2009). Spiritual direction has its roots in the Gospels which are the basis of Christian creed and belief. Jesus Christ exhorted his Apostles to focus on the inner dimensions of life by sidelining physical pleasures. This exhortation was a response to the excessive legalism and ritualism that was manifest in the Jews. Jesus Christ helped Nicodemus to ponder over the mysteries of the universe. Such an activity allowed him to understand the purpose and will of God towards humanity. Paul sought to attain spiritual growth when he declared that Christ was now inside his soul. This sojourn involved the desire to find answers to the mysteries of the universe. Bary & William state that the Apostles in turn spread to remote areas of the known world (2009). They preached and practiced the virtues of Christianity by focusing on empathy, patience, love, and affection for humanity. This message was combined with the desire to find the correct path towards salvation and deliverance. The first centuries of Christianity witnessed thousands of individuals going to remote areas in order to develop wisdom and sagacity. Their valuable knowledge became a beacon of light and hope for miserable human beings (Guenther, 1992). It helped in the spread of Christianity through the transfer of knowledge and wisdom. During the middle ages, monasteries sprung in various parts of Christendom where they engaged in spiritual exercise and mediation. The monks practiced worship and prayers as a means of experiencing the direct relationship with God. The Catholic Church in the middle ages had developed a complete doctrine about the nature of spiritual direction. It was believed that spiritual direction would help the person to develop a comprehensive relationship with God. Guenther argues that it would encourage discipleship with Jesus Christ through words and actions (1992). In addition, it would create a mindset that is free from sins and temptations. This would be achieved by shunning physical pleasures and devoting oneself towards asceticism. The Catholic Church in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries sought to formulate a new definition and description of spiritual direction. It focused on it as an instrument to eradicate negative behaviors that inhibit the ability of individuals to attain enlightenment and intellectual development. It was considered to be a method to witness the signs of God in the entire universe. It would exclusively focus on individuals who are misguided or confused due to external or internal constraints (Barry & William, 2009). Spiritual direction has come a long way since the initial years of the church. However the basic theme of divine assistance in reforming the individual remains. The goals and objectives remain the same while the methodologies have been changed with the advent of new social, economic, cultural, and political changes. Spiritual direction has also been used as a means of promoting change through respect and tolerance for fellow human beings. Principles of Spiritual Reflection Barry & William argue that reflection is an important theme which is found in spiritual direction because it helps to create a spiritual environment (2009). Such an environment is vital because every member describes personal experiences. These experiences can be used for contemplation by other members. An ideal director should enhance trust and faith in God while teaching how to attain relaxation and satisfaction. Often spiritual direction can be used to identify the negative sentiments and thoughts that are found in the human brain. Barry and William argue that spiritual direction is an association that provides affection and ideas (2009). It does not coerce or intimidate the individual who is on a quest to attain spiritual enlightenment. The director should have strong faith and belief because he needs to motivate the directee to act upon God’s injunctions. Furthermore, the director must help the directee to investigate the significance of God in daily life. This helps the directee to become attentive towards the presence of God in life events. Guenther is convinced that spiritual direction is concerned with the establishment of a conductive spiritual environment (1992). It does not provide counsel or therapy as a means of resolving inner tensions. It seeks to nourish the individual by creating high levels of perception and awareness about Christian discipleship. Some churches have established formal procedures for helping the directees. These procedures include a commitment and dedication towards a worshipping community. A directee is encouraged to talk about specific incidents that help in the spiritual journey. The director can often provide guidance if the directee appears to be perplexed or bewildered. The goal in such situations is to utilize the sagacity of others to stimulate the thinking processes of the directee. Several studies focus on the purpose of spiritual direction by using different methodologies. A number of studies argue that spiritual direction is basically to induce specific virtues in individuals (Guenther, 1992). Integrity, honesty, justice, love, affection, and prudence are dubbed to be important for spiritual direction. A community oriented environment is encouraged because it helps to nourish the confused individual. It creates purpose and meaning for human beings in an efficient and effective manner. A community which is imbued with spirituality can act the catalyst for a humane and just society. It can create an eternal fellowship of human beings who are free from avarice, cruelty, and malicious behaviors. Spiritual direction focuses on the individual needs also because an exclusive societal approach will doom to fail. The individual is encouraged to ponder over the nature of creation and existence. Death and rebirth are explained in an articulate and eloquent manner (Guenther, 1992). The result is that the individual is able to identify spiritual needs and requirements that are vital for a stable life. The principles of spiritual direction help to enhance the understanding of the world in spiritual terms. The materialistic pursuits are sidelined in favor of eternal union with the divine. This helps in spiritual advancement which in turn creates a responsive and caring community. An understanding of the scripture is essential for deriving the basic principles of spiritual direction. This is because the vast literature of the Roman Catholic Church helps to embody a set of principles that have become codified for spiritual direction. The set of guidelines help to create multiple paths which can be used to create direct and experiential relationship with God (Parente, 1950). Attention is particularly important because it helps provide focus and concentration for the director and directee. It is not concerned with theological debates or philosophical complexities. Instead it aspires to stimulate the individual by providing direction and purpose. It does not seek to impart moral discipline or virtues but desires to create the right guidance for the individual based upon the scriptures. It concentrates on identifying the obstacles towards spiritual direction which can be countered through the development of attentiveness and consideration. The core techniques and strategies play a critical role in the road towards self discovery. The individual is trained to harness positive energy as a means of achieving enlightenment and intellectual development. It seeks to develop the direct experience of Divine entity by exploring the right strategies and shunning the negative approaches (Byrne, 1990). Spiritual direction shuns intellectual reasoning that seeks to explain the world. It seeks to identify the nature of God by understanding the external environment itself. It is different from theology that is concerned with postulating complex arguments for the teachings of the scripture. Instead spiritual direction seeks to foster a climate of openness and transparency for the individual. The overall aim is to radically transform the individual through a series of small steps and instructions. The advantages are that the individual is able to perceive things within the context of the divine entity. Divine inspiration has often been called the prerequisite for spiritual direction (Byrne, 1990). The spiritual director is an individual who has positive attitudes even though the surrounding environment might be filled with adversity, wickedness, and evil. Each spiritual path devotes attention towards Christ’s life which is used as an inspiration for change and reform (Conroy, 1995). There is hope for every individual because it is based upon the grace and compassion of God. The diverse spiritual paths continue to change with new social conditions. They create a flexible and reliable approach towards enlightenment and direction. They provide focus and direction towards the individual in an efficient and effectual manner. This is essential in order to create high levels of communication and attentiveness in the individual. The development of multifaceted strategies is critical for success in the environment. It leads to favorable spiritual outcomes which manifest in the form of new approaches and outlooks within the individual. Spiritual direction will continue to evolve due to the diverse practices, procedures, and techniques that have been accumulated in the past centuries (Conroy, 1995). It will continue to provide inspiration and motivation to the masses in an effective and effectual manner. Purpose, Scope, and Objective Spiritual direction seeks to stir up the conscience of individuals by opening them to the truth. Studies are divided about the approaches which can lead to such an outcome for individuals. Some studies argue that common stories and anecdotes can be used to develop spirituality in individuals (Conroy, 1995). Such stories provide simple and valuable lessons which are easier for individuals to understand. Spiritual directors who use theology or doctrine to persuade individuals might not achieve the desired objective. Complex philosophical premises are usually beyond the intellectual abilities of normal individuals. A simplistic approach can be utilized for making the person achieve self awareness and self actualization. This in essence creates a direct channel with God with helps to motivate the individual to attain higher levels of spiritual growth and maturity. Other studies believe that spiritual direction should be complex because it should take into account various variables. Guidance should be provided in a slow manner so that the individual does not become overwhelmed (Conroy, 1995). This process should be accompanied by simple questions that can be asked to the individual who in turn contemplates their answers. This approach can be beneficial because it can stimulate the individual to find specific answers to problems. In essence, the role of the spiritual director becomes as one who initiates the thinking mechanisms of individuals by encouraging the brain to study the external environment. Spiritual direction should be initiated with the intention that a direct experience with God is possible for all individuals. Such a strategy creates a sense of purpose and meaning for the individual that seeks to attain spiritual growth and maturity (Conroy, 1995). Spiritual direction does not apply coercion or force because such a precedent is not found in the scriptures. The prophet Jeremiah recognizes God by pondering over the signs that are present in the universe. Spiritual direction should exhort individuals by words and actions. It should be an integrated process which provides different solutions based upon individual circumstances. Such an approach helps individuals to accept change in an open and steady manner. It does not overwhelm them with an endless stream of sermons, philosophical premises, and theological presuppositions (Conroy, 1995). Studies also argue that spiritual direction should take into account the differences of human beings. Such an approach is critical for achieving success in the spiritual environment. It should be based upon the presence of clear and precise goals which will help in growth and maturity. Spiritual direction often involves a weekly schedule of meditation, prayers, worship, and contemplation. The outwardly activities can include Bible reading, prayers, fasting, charity, and sermons. Inwardly activities can involve the development of prudence, wisdom, sagacity, dedication, determination, and intelligence. Such virtues are essential because they create a collaborative environment that nourishes spiritual development and enlightenment. It leads to the attainment of superior objectives that can transform the lives of human beings. General Spiritual Direction General spiritual direction helps the individual to become acquainted with the necessity of Holy Spirit into human life. It creates the foundation that is necessary to foster spiritual development within human beings (Ford, 1997). This is accomplished by a systematic approach that utilizes education, mentoring, and motivation by spiritual directors. Individuals can attain a grasp about the basic principles of spirituality in an efficient and effective manner. General spiritual direction uses intellectual ideas in order to reveal the truth to individuals. It encompasses the various techniques that can be used to create an everlasting relationship with good. The spiritual director becomes a mentor through words and actions. Setting up a good example is encouraged because confused individuals often need role models. Education is the main theme of general spiritual direction because it is the only way to liberate human beings from self imposed limitations and obstacles (Ford, 1997). Establishing a spiritual government is necessary because it is accomplished by pastors. This is attained by encouraging dedication, determination, patience, and morality among the followers. The pastor exhorts the members to contribute towards the development of the church by outwardly and inwardly deeds. But the pastor should be innovative in order to resolve the problems of society. He should not focus exclusively on tradition or dogma as a means of fostering spiritual growth. Innovative strategies should be applied as a means of creating a flexible spiritual environment (Ford, 1997). Beginners are trained in a proficient manner by applying creative and flexible procedures. The initial goal is to make them familiar with basic norms and patterns. Since they do not have spiritual maturity, beginners are likely to be isolated from God’s grace. The challenge for spiritual directors is to impart spiritual maturity in an efficient and effectual manner. Peace for the soul is the ultimate objective for beginners because it helps to create high levels of perception and awareness. Psychological counseling helps the individual to define positive and negative sentiments which can be used to ascertain problems and develop smart decisions to resolve them (Ford, 1997). Counseling must be conducted in an open and transparent manner in order to create elevated levels of comfort for the individual. Particularly, it should focus on promoting positive attitudes and notions within the individual. This can be achieved through positive communication that helps to enhance the self awareness of individuals. Counseling should be conducted in group sessions since the individual becomes confident in the presence of friends and family members (Ford, 1997). Healing is a process that must be pursued for the individual because it helps to increase the spiritual growth of the individual. A pastor must listen carefully to the individual while asking questions in a nonjudgmental manner. This helps to prevent bias or discrimination from tearing the entire healing process. It helps to enhance the overall process by focusing on outcomes rather than sentiments and outlooks. Special Spiritual Direction Special spiritual direction is oriented towards the unique desires and requirements of human beings (Dougherty, 2003). Each individual has different problems, attitudes, notions, and outlooks which are shaped due to external environmental variables. Hence spiritual direction in such cases must be personalized and tailored to become overtly sacred in nature. It seeks to create a direct relationship with God by eliminating the obstacles which prevent such a union. It concentrates on God’s power: how the individual has become the recipient of divine motivation and encouragement. Special spiritual direction seeks to directly touch the soul by tuning it to the action of God. This can be realized by perceiving it to be a materialization of principles (Dougherty, 2003). This manifestation is not concerned about the notions of sins or virtues but with the amalgamation of thoughts, values, and revulsions that pave the way for opinion. The manifestation of principles is correlated with individual awareness and perception. It involves self reflection because the individual is able to successfully resist temptations and desires. Special spiritual direction is concerned with ensuring that the individual is able to make valid decisions by distinguishing the counterfeit feelings and sentiments. This can be achieved by focusing on self knowledge which is a process of introspection and contemplation. The individual looks around the external environment in order to derive clues for his existence and life (Dougherty, 2003). The various problems are identified with alternatives selected for problem resolution. In addition, the individual must accept personal follies and shortcomings. Such an attitude helps to remove self imposed restrictions and limitations that have been developed by individuals. It creates a collaborative environment in which the individual is able to develop high levels of awareness and perception. The individual must also accept God’s will as the only criteria for success in the world and hereafter. The spiritual director plays an important role during this process (Dougherty, 2003). The director possesses competence in understanding the problems of individuals. Such an attitude can be useful in fostering spiritual development and growth. The director acts like a partner while shunning any arrogant attitudes. This is because arrogance can inhibit the overall aim of spiritual direction which is to provide guidance and meaning to individuals with inner problems and conflicts. Furthermore, the director tends to be a companion who can listen to the individual’s anxieties and apprehensions. He advises on fighting negative sentiments by using positive attitudes and outlooks. The spiritual director acts as a coach who ultimately enables the individual to define the real purpose of existence. This helps to create a personalized form of spiritual growth which is responsive to individual needs and requirements. One of the greatest competencies that spiritual directors can exert is the application of personal experience to resolve problems. Such a strategy enhances the overall process by focusing on developing new attitudes and notions. Modern Spiritual Direction Spiritual direction in the modern world has undergone a number of important changes due to the influence of several variables. Spiritual directors for instance do not need formal religious training (Leech, 2003). They can be charismatic and mature Christians who might not necessarily be associated with the church. Experience is considered to be the main competency when selecting directors. Such an experience involves a perfect understanding of human beings. It must be accompanied by an acknowledgement about the diversity of humanity. In addition, the director should be able to apply personal experiences for other people. Leech argues that these experiences must be correlated with the life of Christ because it helps individuals to make smart choices (2003). They are in a better position to ascertain personal limitations and problems. The life of Christ needs to be analyzed and assessed by integrating individual and societal experiences. Such knowledge helps to make teaching an interesting aspect of spiritual direction. It helps to accomplish the objectives in an efficient and effective manner. A director must demonstrate prudence because it helps in enhancing the communication process. Spiritual direction in the modern world focuses exclusively on competence (Jones, 1998). This is because incompetent persons will not be able to produce favorable outcomes even if intentions are appropriate and valid. Modern scholars argue that spiritual direction has become a middle way between a democratic and authoritarian form of relationship. It is an informal process in which the director and directee are free to express their opinion within certain parameters and restrictions. Jones argues that such a relationship helps the individuals to focus on the outcomes rather than bicker and argue on petty issues (1998). Indeed the main goal of direction is to prevent conflicts by creating a cooperative environment that is based upon trust and confidence. The spiritual director does not have any temporal power because he is concerned with spiritual matters (Leech, 2003). It is in essence a form of community service through which the director is able to exercise his personal competencies to help individuals attain spiritual enlightenment. Spiritual direction does not apply coercion or force because such a precedent is not found in the scriptures. The prophet Jeremiah recognizes God by pondering over the signs that are present in the universe. Spiritual direction should exhort individuals by words and actions. It should be an integrated process which provides different solutions based upon individual circumstances. Such an approach helps individuals to accept change in an open and steady manner. Some scholars argue that spiritual directors need to approach directees in a cautious and gradual manner. They must not appear to be intrusive as they violate the privacy of individuals. In addition, they must provide advice that is according to their competencies and experiences (Leech, 2003). A director must take adequate safeguards to protect the personal information of directees. This is an important aspect of spiritual leadership which is according to the teachings of the Gospel. References Barry, William A., and William J. Connolly. The Practice of Spiritual Direction. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Boston, MA: Cowley Publications, 1992. Parente, Pascal P. Spiritual Direction. St. Meinrad, Indiana: The Abbey Press, 1950 Byrne, Lavinia, ed. Traditions of Spiritual Guidance. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1990. Conroy, Maureen. Looking into the Well: Supervision of Spiritual Directors. Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1995. Dougherty, Rose Mary. Group Spiritual Direction: Community for Discernment. New York: Paulist, 2003. Ford, David F. The Shape of Living: Spiritual Directions for Everyday Life. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1997. Jones, Timothy. Finding a Spiritual Friend: How Friends and Mentors Can Make Your Faith Grow. Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1998. Leech, Kenneth. Soul Friend: An Invitation to Spiritual Direction. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2006 1) Barry, William A., and William J. Connolly. The Practice of Spiritual Direction. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. Spiritual direction provides determination, dedication, and willpower for individuals as they communicate directly with God. Pg 23 2) Barry, William A., and William J. Connolly. The Practice of Spiritual Direction. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. Spiritual direction is an approach which must take into the conditions and circumstances of individuals. Pg 96 3) Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Boston, MA: Cowley Publications, 1992. Spiritual directions can use their knowledge to motivate and inspire human beings that are filled with numerous problems. Pg 34 4) Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Boston, MA: Cowley Publications, 1992 Spiritual direction fosters a circle of disciples who sole purpose is to eulogize and venerate Jesus Christ. Pg 92 5) Barry, William A., and William J. Connolly. The Practice of Spiritual Direction. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. Spiritual direction is based upon having empathy for disturbed or confused individuals. Pg 64. 6) Barry, William A., and William J. Connolly. The Practice of Spiritual Direction. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. Reflection can become a powerful tool to develop insight and contemplation among individuals. Pg 43. 7) Barry, William A., and William J. Connolly. The Practice of Spiritual Direction. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2009. Spiritual direction uses love and ideas in order to stimulate the inner mechanics of individuals. Pg 96. 8) Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Boston, MA: Cowley Publications, 1992. Spiritual direction must be accompanied by a desire to promote change by ensuring that appropriate conditions can be met. Pg 95 9) Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Boston, MA: Cowley Publications, 1992 Spiritual direction helps the individual to slowly think about past events and make amendments for a bright future. Pg 45 10) Guenther, Margaret. Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction. Boston, MA: Cowley Publications, 1992 The purpose of existence and creation can be elucidated in a brilliant manner. Pg 105 11) Parente, Pascal P. Spiritual Direction. St. Meinrad, Indiana: The Abbey Press, 1950 Spiritual direction is concerned with an experiential relationship with God. Pg 45 12. Byrne, Lavinia, ed. Traditions of Spiritual Guidance. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1990. Spiritual direction seeks direct relationship between God and man by fostering a spiritual environment. Pg 34 13. Byrne, Lavinia, ed. Traditions of Spiritual Guidance. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1990. God can inspire the believers to perform righteous actions as the Gospels proclaim in the lives of the Apostles. Pg 56 14) Conroy, Maureen. Looking into the Well: Supervision of Spiritual Directors. Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1995. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example for believers that covet a life which is rich in spirituality. Pg 65 15) Conroy, Maureen. Looking into the Well: Supervision of Spiritual Directors. Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1995. Spiritual direction does not have a set of rigid and inflexible procedures that are mandatory for directors and directees. Pg 76 16) Conroy, Maureen. Looking into the Well: Supervision of Spiritual Directors. Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1995 Inspirational stories about the prophets, apostles, saints, etc can foster spiritual growth within individuals. Pg 102 17) Conroy, Maureen. Looking into the Well: Supervision of Spiritual Directors. Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1995 A spiritual director must slowly awaken the conscious of the individual rather than make hasty decisions. Pg 93 18) Conroy, Maureen. Looking into the Well: Supervision of Spiritual Directors. Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1995 Directors should develop trust and confidence as a prerequisite for solving the problems of directees. Pg 45 19) Conroy, Maureen. Looking into the Well: Supervision of Spiritual Directors. Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1995 Spiritual direction should focus on simple concepts as a means of creating direction within the individual. Pg 53 20) Ford, David F. The Shape of Living: Spiritual Directions for Everyday Life. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1997. Spiritual direction is essential for human beings because it must make them perceive things beyond the physical realm. Pg 86 21) Ford, David F. The Shape of Living: Spiritual Directions for Everyday Life. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1997 Education helps to increase the perception of human beings by helping them to understand the surrounding environment. Pg 92 22) Ford, David F. The Shape of Living: Spiritual Directions for Everyday Life. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1997 The spiritual director uses innovation when faced with individuals that have complex problems and obstacles. Pg 23 23) Ford, David F. The Shape of Living: Spiritual Directions for Everyday Life. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1997 Spiritual direction is based upon encouraging individuals to live through inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Pg 74 24) Ford, David F. The Shape of Living: Spiritual Directions for Everyday Life. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1997 Counseling helps the individuals as they talk about problems with close friends and family members. Pg 106 25) Dougherty, Rose Mary. Group Spiritual Direction: Community for Discernment. New York: Paulist, 2003. Special spiritual direction provides a personalized strategy that allows individuals to attain salvation and deliverance. Pg 34 26) Dougherty, Rose Mary. Group Spiritual Direction: Community for Discernment. New York: Paulist, 2003. A systematic approach must be utilized in order to produce favorable spiritual outcomes. Pg 73 27) Dougherty, Rose Mary. Group Spiritual Direction: Community for Discernment. New York: Paulist, 2003. God’s signs are present in the stars, trees, planets, mountains, rivers, animals, insects, etc. Pg 38 28) Dougherty, Rose Mary. Group Spiritual Direction: Community for Discernment. New York: Paulist, 2003. The spiritual director is a unique individual who acts as mentor and coach for many confused individuals. Pg 92 29) Leech, Kenneth. Soul Friend: An Invitation to Spiritual Direction. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2003 Spiritual directors in many seminaries do not have any formal degrees in theology or religious training. Pg 102 30) Leech, Kenneth. Soul Friend: An Invitation to Spiritual Direction. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2003 The spiritual director should make references to Christ’s life as a model for change and reform. Pg 73 31) Jones, Timothy. Finding a Spiritual Friend: How Friends and Mentors Can Make Your Faith Grow. Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1998. Spiritual direction must embrace competence from directors because directees need valuable guidance and counsel. Pg 67. 32) Jones, Timothy. Finding a Spiritual Friend: How Friends and Mentors Can Make Your Faith Grow. Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1998. Petty issues must be sidelined so that the real issues can be developed in an efficient and effective manner. Pg 92 33) Leech, Kenneth. Soul Friend: An Invitation to Spiritual Direction. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2003 The spiritual director is an individual who must exhibit humility and modesty because his position is a trust from God. Pg 123 34) Leech, Kenneth. Soul Friend: An Invitation to Spiritual Direction. San Francisco: Harper San Francisco, 2003 Spiritual directors must provide advice and counsel which is based upon their competencies and experiences. Pg 89 Read More