G R O U P S P I R I T U A L D I R E C T I O N
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it?
It is a group of 3-5 people assisting each other in an ongoing awareness of God in everyday life and discernment; praying for and interceding for each other in a safe, trusting, and compassionate environment. It is a process of trusting in God’s desire for each one individually and for the group as a whole.
How is it done?
Several people gather once a week or so, and follow a process of silence, sharing, and prayer in order to bring their desire for God together with God’s desire for them. A trained spiritual director is present to facilitate and make sure participants are on the right track. After the prescribed number of meetings, the group may decide to continue on their own without a facilitator.
Who can participate?
Anyone who has a sincere desire to seek God’s presence, action, and will, and is willing to do so not just for himself but also with and for others. Experience with personal spiritual direction is helpful, but not necessary. Persons of any faith tradition are welcome.
What is it not?
It is not conversation, emotional support, religious study, or therapy. It is not intended to provide answers, solutions, or advice. It is not to make friends, although friendships may blossom from the shared experience.
Why do spiritual direction in a group setting?
Belonging to a small spiritual community is helpful for the growth of believers of all kinds. It allows one to see the connectedness of all life, and the movement of God in others as well as oneself. The fruits of shared prayer and reflection can be very life-affirming and inspiring. We can learn from each other’s experience as much as our own.
What is required of someone seeking group spiritual direction?
One must commit to an honest relationship with God—a willingness to go deeper than just the surface. One must be willing to participate wholeheartedly in the process—listening, sharing, and responding prayerfully; and to meet regularly for a set amount of time. One must be open to allowing others to consider their spiritual journey. Strict confidentiality is required.
How do I join a group?
One may either gather a group of people and sign up to start direction, or sign up as an individual to join a group that is about to be formed.
It is a group of 3-5 people assisting each other in an ongoing awareness of God in everyday life and discernment; praying for and interceding for each other in a safe, trusting, and compassionate environment. It is a process of trusting in God’s desire for each one individually and for the group as a whole.
How is it done?
Several people gather once a week or so, and follow a process of silence, sharing, and prayer in order to bring their desire for God together with God’s desire for them. A trained spiritual director is present to facilitate and make sure participants are on the right track. After the prescribed number of meetings, the group may decide to continue on their own without a facilitator.
Who can participate?
Anyone who has a sincere desire to seek God’s presence, action, and will, and is willing to do so not just for himself but also with and for others. Experience with personal spiritual direction is helpful, but not necessary. Persons of any faith tradition are welcome.
What is it not?
It is not conversation, emotional support, religious study, or therapy. It is not intended to provide answers, solutions, or advice. It is not to make friends, although friendships may blossom from the shared experience.
Why do spiritual direction in a group setting?
Belonging to a small spiritual community is helpful for the growth of believers of all kinds. It allows one to see the connectedness of all life, and the movement of God in others as well as oneself. The fruits of shared prayer and reflection can be very life-affirming and inspiring. We can learn from each other’s experience as much as our own.
What is required of someone seeking group spiritual direction?
One must commit to an honest relationship with God—a willingness to go deeper than just the surface. One must be willing to participate wholeheartedly in the process—listening, sharing, and responding prayerfully; and to meet regularly for a set amount of time. One must be open to allowing others to consider their spiritual journey. Strict confidentiality is required.
How do I join a group?
One may either gather a group of people and sign up to start direction, or sign up as an individual to join a group that is about to be formed.
R E D I T U S M I N I S T R Y