"With an Open Spirit"

Spiritual Direction is often known by several names: Spiritual Mentoring, Spiritual Guidance, Spiritual Companionship, Spiritual Nurture, Spiritual Friendship. Spiritual Directors are persons who have gifts to assist others in their spiritual journey. They grow from their own journey with God and are called to support and walk with others. This relationship of Spiritual Director with a spiritual directee is an intentional relationship of covenant together.

John's Approach to Direction

I have completed the Spiritual Guidance work with the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Baltimore, MD. I celebrate the gift of spiritual nurture that God gives me by offering my service as a Spiritual Director. I am committed to providing spiritual support to persons who are intentional about their spiritual journey. I believe God speaks to each of us in unique and particular ways. My work with directees is focused on assisting them in being attentive to the movement of the Spirit of God in their life.

What is Spiritual Direction?

The following description of Spiritual Direction is provided by the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. "Spiritual direction, sometimes referred to as spiritual guidance or spiritual friendship, is an on-going relationship in which one person (the directee), desirous of being attentive to his or her spiritual life, meets with another person (the director) on a regular basis (usually once a month), for the purpose of becoming more attuned to God's Presence in order to respond more fully to that Presence in all of life. The primary focus of the session is the directee's relationship with God as it is reflected and challenged by all aspects of that person's life. The directee assumes responsibility for his or her life with God. This means that the person coming for direction is serious about some form of intentional prayer and reflection on the God-currents of one's every day life and prayer. During the meeting of 1 to 1 1/2 hours, director and directee seek to enter a prayerful atmosphere where together they can be attentive to the Holy Spirit who is in fact the real director. The director may question, challenge, suggest, support, as seems called for by the Spirit, but ultimately the directee must own whatever insights are uncovered or course of action that is to be taken. It is assumed that the directee has begun a journey with God long before he or she comes into direction. Also this intentional journey will continue long after leaving a particular director. The director is only a facilitator in the process. The directee must claim the journey."

Direction Information

I share my Spiritual Direction work in Pueblo, Colorado and Denver, Colorado. The usual honorarium for working with persons in Spiritual Direction is $40-$80 per session. The directee is asked to prayerfully consider what he or she can give. No one will be refused for lack of funds. If you are interested in working with me as a Spiritual Director you may contact me at 1307 Paseo Del Norte, Pueblo, CO 81008; 719-253-0400; or email me at johnphil@companionspirit.com.