GROUP SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
As in one-to-one spiritual direction, group spiritual direction helps participants to grow in their ability to notice and to respond to the ways in which God offers us opportunities for spiritual growth in the events of our daily life. The group process differs from a private session in that group members participate in the process of exploration of these opportunities. Each session lasts up to two hours, depending on the numbers present. Groups are limited to six or seven participants.
In the group process, participants share with the group as follows:
- The group begins with silent reflection. Then the facilitator reads a short passage of scripture and asks one or two questions to stimulate further reflection.
- A brief period of silence follows after which the facilitator declares the session open for "rounds."
- Whoever is ready shares how the scripture or questions speak to his/her personal experience.
- The round continues with each of the others in the group responding, in turn, with their perceptions of how the Spirit was manifest in what the first person shared. Quiet prayer for the first speaker closes the round.
- This same procedure is followed until all have shared their story.
- The session closes as it began, in silence-giving participants time to review what they have experienced and to identify a direction for themselves before they leave and also a focus for their prayer for the others in the group.
The guidelines are few. The fundamental requirement is that participants must have a sincere desire to experience God more fully in their life. In addition, they are asked to:
- Make a commitment to support one another in the desire to experience God more fully
- Be committed to praying for one another
- Be consistent in some regular, personal spiritual practice (such as daily prayer, meditation, worship, etc.)
- Be considerate about time
- Talk about how they experience God--not their religious beliefs
- Listen respectfully to one another
- Hold in reverence and confidence what is said in the group
Participant comments affirm the benefits of group spiritual direction. They say:
The process of listening to the scripture reading assigned for the day
and then reflecting on what this says about my life has opened up
the Word of God in a way I have never experienced before.
What has been most beneficial for me is the group process for discerning
the voice of God and the presence of God in every day life.
There is a definite energy that comes from the group. Sharing with the others in this
welcoming environment is a help that goes beyond anything individual reflection can do.
The support and shared insight of the group deepens my discovery of God.
The group sharing provides insight into my own inner thoughts
and into the inner process of others.
Seeing how God moves in others' lives has broadened my own perspective.
It is like listening to God through others.
There is an ever deepening appreciation for and love of the group members.
Group spiritual direction provides me with quiet stopping times,
the stimulation of scripture readings and questions to ponder.
All this lets me focus on spiritual growth.
The questions for reflection on the scriptures always move me gently toward
an understanding either of the Spirit moving within me or of the areas of
void in my life needing further prayer and attention on my part.
Reflecting back to others what I understand them to be sharing often stimulates
my own insights and sometimes uncovers feelings associated with the experience
of which they were unaware.
The questions asked during the session often come back to me in the time
between sessions so that I pay more attention and notice more.
As I notice more, I often find my image of God shifting.
I am better able to name who God is for me, qualities of God important to me,
and how these qualities are evident in my life.
Call (269) 381-6290, ext. 285
or fill out the information request form.
Spiritual direction is for anyone who is searching for deeper spiritual insight.
It is a spiritual practice both ancient and modern. Spiritual direction is a process that allows you to become aware of the many ways God reaches out to you in your daily life. The still, small voice is with you whether you are racing through your busy days or in prayer. You can use your time with a spiritual director to slow down, to learn how to listen, to explore life's deeper issues and to make progress toward achieving greater consistency between your deeply held values and your actions. Individual spiritual direction is done on a one-on-one basis. Group spiritual direction is done in a small group setting.
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