WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DIRECTION?
Author David Benner writes that "Spiritual direction is an ancient form of Christian soul care that goes all the way back to the earliest days of the church." While the practice has its roots in Scripture, spiritual direction more formally took shape in the third century with the desert mothers and fathers.
Spiritual direction is a shared contemplative prayer practice, a three-way conversation between the director, the directee, and God. Together, we enter into awareness of God's presence and grow still. We tune out the loud, distracting world and let the Spirit—our true Spiritual Director—take the lead.
As we listen and respond, we live the belief that God is present, knowable, and longing for connection. Our work (and delight) is to learn to see God more clearly, love God more dearly, and follow God more nearly.
SEEKING SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Some people pursue direction as a regular part of their soul care rhythm. And others pursue direction because they have a specific need, such as:
-
discernment (regarding job changes, college choices, preparing for marriage, etc)
-
prayer resources (tools and practices for deepening your prayer life)
-
care in a difficult season (direction was especially meaningful for me during my own cancer scare)
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Our hour-long sessions will always begin with prayer and silence, settling into God's loving presence. When you feel ready, we'll move into a time of sharing and listening. You might bring something specific to prayer, or you might not. Wonderful. Whatever joy, sorrow, heartache, boredom, or questions you bring, we will explore them together, trusting God will be there. His loving presence is a safe place for every experience.
In our time together, I won't be very "directive" (the term "spiritual director" is a bit of a misnomer!). While I have tools and practices to support your prayer, my role as director is to serve as a spiritual companion. I won't give advice, lecture, or issue instructions. Instead, I'll create a safe space in which you can meet with God. I'll listen compassionately, ask open-ended questions, and bear witness to the movements of God, our true Spiritual Director. I trust He will give you to healing, to goodness, and (best of all) to Himself.
Logistics:
Time: Once or twice a month, hour-long sessions
Setting: Online (Zoom Room) or in-person (Glenwood, IA)
Cost: Payments are set at three tiers: $50, $75, or $100. When you pay for your session, you can select the price point that feels the most cohesive with your life and budget. I never want the cost of a session to keep someone from receiving direction, so if the fee is prohibitive, please reach out. Scholarships and discounts are available).
ABOUT ME
My name is Laura. I'm a writer and spiritual director living in the Loess Hills of Iowa with my husband, our three boys, and two enormous dogs.
After working as a counselor for several years, I became a full-time caregiver to our sons. During that time, I started writing and exploring contemplative prayer.
When I first stumbled into a contemplative prayer class, I realized I had been longing for this kind of spiritual rest for a long time.
In contemplative prayer, I was led into the "unforced rhythms of grace." I didn’t just consider Jesus; I met with Him.
Before long, I was signing up for all the contemplative activities I could find. Formational prayer. Spiritual Direction. The 19th Annotation of the Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius. I was hooked.
After a while, I began teaching formational prayer classes and in May 2023, I earned my certificate in Spiritual Direction from Sustainable Faith.
Now, it’s my pleasure to offer direction to others. I happily direct anyone; however, if you are new to contemplation, burned-out on religion, or looking for trauma-informed direction, I have a special place for you.
Training:
• MA Counseling: Grace College and Seminary, 2007
• Certificate in Spiritual Direction: Sustainable Faith, 2023
