by Desiree Barker

There are many good reasons for seeking out a spiritual director. For each person the reasons will be slightly different and as individual as they are. Often it is a series of events that finally converge to cause a believer to seek out the companionship of a trained director at that particular season. Primarily, it is a leading from the Lord that starts the process – one that we may not even be aware of at the onset – and may only become obvious in retrospect. The leading is often accompanied by a sense of longing to seek the wisdom of another that eclipses our need to keep the most private parts of our spiritual life completely to ourselves. Perhaps we are wrestling with something that just won’t work itself out in our normal time with God. Maybe it is a desire to move more deeply into what God is doing in us and we are just not sure what it is or how to get there. Whatever the unique combination looks like, here are 3 of the more common reasons to consider seeking spiritual direction.

1. A common reason someone might seek a spiritual director is in a season of transition or stagnation in their spiritual life. Often these seekers have been walking with the Lord for some time and have established spiritual disciplines in their lives. However, for one reason or another, the disciplines they have practiced for so long are no longer working or have become stale and even lifeless. Sometimes they have reached the end of a longstanding ministry and are seeking direction from the Lord about something new.  In either case, the director serves as a companion as they seek to hear and discern what God is saying and how He may be leading. The director does not counsel or advise but will likely ask questions that can help the directee listen for and hear the leading of the Lord.
2. Another reason someone might seek direction is a season of rapid spiritual growth. These seekers are often new to the idea of spiritual direction but are looking for a companion to guide them as they seek to draw deeper into all God is doing. This is often a season of transition from a discipling or mentoring relationship (where the relationship is more of a teacher/ learner relationship) to the partnership in listening to the Lord with another that is the hallmark of spiritual direction. A director can be very instrumental in facilitating this transition.
3. Leaders might consider direction as a way to listen with another about their ministry and their relationship with God. Some have experienced either group or individual spiritual direction at some point in the past or have had it recommended to them. They may or may not have a precipitating event or issue that leads them to seek direction but if there is, it is usually one that would benefit from a safe or neutral place (away from their home church) to hear God. Sometimes there is a hurt that needs to be prayed through or a change in direction or ministry that needs to be discerned. Or, perhaps, there is a dryness of the soul even in the midst of a vital and fruitful ministry. Often direction provides a place to slow down and to restore a deep and abiding sense the Lord’s presence. The spiritual director listens to the Lord with another set of ears and may ask some clarifying questions that help facilitate the discernment process.

If any of these reasons seem to fit your situation or if you have questions, please feel free to contact one of the spiritual directors at Coracle and we would be glad to help you.

Desiree is a spiritual director serving northern Virginia and the District and can be reached at desiree@inthecoracle.org