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Spiritual Direction: A Guide to Giving and Receiving Direction, By Gordon T. Smith

Spiritual Direction

A Guide to Giving and Receiving Direction

by Gordon T. Smith

Spiritual Direction
Paperback
$18.99
  • Length: 103 pages
  • Dimensions: 5.5 × 8.25 in
  • Published: March 07, 2014
  • Imprint: IVP Formatio
  • ISBN: 9780830835799
Other Formats:

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 findthis book to be a helpful guide.

REVIEWS

"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."Mark Buchanan, author of Your Church Is Too Safe
"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, Smithweaves 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 thelookout for truly nourishing Christian spirituality."Susan S. Phillips, professor at New College Berkeley and author of Candlelight
"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."Bruce Hindmarsh, professor of spiritual theology, Regent College, Vancouver
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CONTENTS

1 The Ministry of Spiritual Direction
2 Theological Perspectives
3 Focused Conversation
4 Attending to What Is Happening in Our Prayers
5 A Spiritual Direction Session
6 Pastoral Ministry, Evangelism and Friendship
7The Qualities and Character of a Director
8 The Qualities and Character of a Directee
9 The Holy Spirit as Spiritual Director
Notes
For Further Reading

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ABOUT Gordon T. Smith

Gordon T. Smith

Gordon T. Smith is the president of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta, where he also serves as professor of systematic and spiritual theology. He is an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a teaching fellow at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the author of many books, including Institutional Intelligence, Called to Be Saints, and Your Calling Here and Now.

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