Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship Direction

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InterVarsity Press, Aug 20, 2009 - Religion - 240 pages

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.

 

Contents

Foreword
9
Preface
13
Acknowledgments
21
PART ONE
23
The Transformational Journey
25
Hospitality Presence Dialogue
45
The Ideals of Spiritual Friendship
61
PART TWO
85
Becoming a Spiritual Director
147
PART THREE
163
Spiritual Accompaniment in Small Groups
165
Spiritual Accompaniment in Marriage
185
Epilogue
205
Suggestions for Further Reading
207
General Listing
212
Index
236

Demystifying Spiritual Direction
87
Soul Attunement
107
A Portrait of the Process
127
More Titles from InterVarsity Press
241
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About the author (2009)

David G. Benner (PhD, York University) is an internationally known depth psychologist, transformational coach and author whose life passion has been helping people walk the human path in a deeply spiritual way and the spiritual path in a deeply human way. Some of his books include Presence and Encounter, Spirituality and the Awakening Self, Sacred Companions and Soulful Spirituality.

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