Spiritual Direction by Mary Stewart

“Spiritual Direction is an ancient form of Christian soul care that goes back to the earliest days of the church. It is a one-on-one relationship organized around prayer and conversation directed toward deepening intimacy with God. Spiritual Directors are not experts, nor do they direct. They journey with others who, like themselves, are committed to the process of spiritual transformation in Christ.” David Benner, Sacred Companions

Two years ago I began to look into taking classes for my spiritual formation at Sioux Falls Seminary. This followed the exploration of my calling and vocation through the VantagePoint3 spiritual formation series. At the time I had little knowledge or experience of being in spiritual direction as well as going through the process of certification for this purpose.
 
The program titled Listening People to Life really connected with my heart for spiritual transformation in Christ. Journeying with others committed to this process is what God has led me to do. In the coursework I began to practice spiritual direction with three individuals meeting seven times in the past year. Since then my life and the way that I listen and think has changed after completion of the class in April. In the years of serving in roles of discipleship and care at Lakeside, spiritual direction feels like a natural move to complement what I have been doing.
 
I am learning to be more present to God and available to others in my care since I have begun to practice as a spiritual director. In a session we begin with silence, prayer, and the reading of scripture. We are also listening and noticing God’s activity during this time . Maybe I offer a word or prayer to help with an emotion such as anxiety, or we sit silently to pray.  

It is also a time of asking questions. I’m not there to answer their questions or to solve a problem. I’m not an expert or there to direct as the quote said. The time of question asking helps us both be thoughtful, and curious about what God is up to. Our time together can be a place and space to find spiritual rest for our souls unplugging from the demands of daily life.
 
I have often asked God, why now? My spiritual director and I have talked about this and realized, why not now? I am expectant to see what God is going to do in the lives of others and in me. Being a part of God’s restoring work in the world as a spiritual director brings me great satisfaction.  

I want to thank you all at Lakeside Church for supporting me in this endeavor! Consider if this is a practice that you would like to add to your spiritual life and rhythms. If so, be on the lookout for more information on Spiritual Direction at Lakeside and how you can start this process with me.