Spiritual Direction - by Gordon T Smith (Paperback)

About the Book

God gives us companions on our journey. A spiritual director is one such companion, offering spiritual guidance. Whether you are a director, a directee or simply someone who wants to learn more about this ancient ministry, this comprehensive introduction to the art of both giving and receiving spiritual direction will be a helpful guide.

Book Synopsis

We are not alone.God is present with us. And God gives us companions on the journey. A spiritual director is one such companion, offering spiritual guidance to help

• make sense of the faith journey
• interpret the significant markers on the road
• encourage us, particularly through the more difficult transitions and valleys of our pilgrimage
• and, most of all, to notice the ministry of the Spirit in our lives

Gordon Smith writes: Even if we have been Christians and maturing in our faith for many years, we still need the encouragement and guidance that might come through spiritual direction. . . . Genuine humility is evident in our realization that we need a companion, a fellow pilgrim and Christian, who can help us discern and foster an attentiveness to God's presence in our lives. This is the gift of spiritual direction.Whether you are a director, a directee or simply someone who wants to learn more about this ancient ministry, you will find this book to be a helpful guide.

Review Quotes

"In this welcome addition to the growing literature on Christian spiritual direction, theologian Gordon Smith invites believers and the church to notice God at work through this long-treasured discipline. Writing with mind and heart engaged, Smith weaves together theology, biblical teaching, church history and wisdom from his experience of spiritual direction to craft a svelte and helpful book that will bless anyone considering becoming a director or directee, and, in fact, any person on the lookout for truly nourishing Christian spirituality."

"Offering this book to others could at least open up new conversations about spiritual direction and perhaps even help start new spiritual direction relationships."

"There has been a growing hunger among evangelicals for the sort of spiritual direction the Jesuits have been doing for centuries, but little guidance for those who would seek to give or receive such direction. Gordon Smith is just the right person at just the right time to offer a concise guide for the ministry of direction today. There is nothing faddish here. This short book is the fruit of practical wisdom gained over many years experience in spiritual direction, and it is marked by a deep appreciation for Scripture and the church's teaching and practice through the centuries."

"What a perfectly cut gem of a book this is: wise, clear, concise and practical, it instructs in the art of spiritual direction while at the same moment inspiring us to give and receive it. Gordon Smith distills his considerable knowledge of this vital topic and bestows on us something useful and beautiful, simple and substantial. This book brims with insights and has not a wasted word anywhere."

About the Author

Gordon T. Smith is president and professor of systematic and spiritual theology at Ambrose University College and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta. He is the author of many books, including Courage and Calling and The Voice of Jesus.