ECPA Gold Medallion Finalist
We need companions on our spiritual journey.
The modern world has taught us to value autonomy and individualism. Our churches often see spirituality as personal and private. But we cannot go long in our Christian pilgrimage before realizing that isolation leads to spiritual barrenness. We soon discover that our souls long for accompaniment, intimacy and spiritual friendship. As a result, many Christians today are rediscovering the ancient practice of spiritual direction.
In this inviting guide, David G. Benner introduces readers to the riches of spiritual friendship and direction, explaining what they are and how they are practiced. Spiritual direction moves beyond mere moral lifestyle accountability and goes deeper than popular notions of mentoring or discipling. Through prayerful, guided attunement to God's activity, sacred companions provide care for the soul.
If we are to experience significant spiritual formation and growth, our souls must be nurtured through spiritual companions. Benner, well-accustomed to God's work through relationships, models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.
Table of Content
Foreword by Larry Crabb
Preface: Companions on the Spiritual Journey
Acknowledgments
Part One: Spiritual Friendship
1. The Transformational Journey
2. Hospitality, Presence Dialogue
3. Ideals of Spiritual Friendship
Part Two: Spiritual Direction
4. Demystifying Spiritual Direction
5. Soul Attunement
6. A Portrait of the Process
7. Becoming a Spiritual Director
Part Three: Combining Spiritual Friendship Direction
8. Spiritual accompaniment in Small Groups
9. Spiritual Accompaniment in Marriage
Epilogue: The High Calling of Sacred Companions
Suggestions for Further Reading
General Listing
Index
About the author
David G. Benner (Ph D, York University) is an internationally known depth psychologist, author, and wisdom teacher whose life's work has been directed toward facilitating human unfolding through a journey of awakening and transformation. He is the founding director, teacher, and mentor of Cascadia Living Wisdom. He has authored many books, including The Spiritual Journey trilogy: Surrender to Love, The Gift of Being Yourself, and Desiring God's Will.
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