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Groups and Retreats

Sometimes, our bible study group wants someone to lead us in a study of a particular subject or topic. Sometimes we are wrestling with a conflict, decision or issue and need a quiet space and guide to help us unpack our feelings.

Private and group retreats are available in most areas. Arkansas has some beautiful places to withdraw, to rest, to walk in nature and simply breathe.  I’ve done all of that myself and the fruit and benefits are ‘priceless’.

What do you need and desire?

Supervision

It is a call from God to understand ourselves in a deeper way. Set up much the same way as a direction session to explore, reflect, become aware and then move into understanding of where God is calling the practicing director, given a recognized movement occurring in a session with a directee.

Supervision also offers a place to ask the ‘skills’ questions that all of us have – did I do this right, could I have done more/less, how do I handle…

Individual Sessions

Generally, one who is seeking direction will contact a director, make an appointment and an interview is set up. As in all other professions, not all spiritual directors and seekers are a good match. Hence the interview to get acquainted. A good director will offer to meet some number of times and then review with the directee how the process is working. Sometimes it works quite well; sometimes a change needs to be made to continue the process with a different director. Both parties have the freedom to make the call not to continue.

Normally a session is set up on a regular schedule, once a month, for the parties to come together and explore, to reflect and gain insight and understanding of God’s working in the directee’s life. There is some sharing, perhaps a review of the journal (highly recommended), possibly a question or so from the director for clarification and perhaps even a suggestion of scripture, meditation or other type of prayer for going forward. These typically last 45 – 50 minutes each time.

The fruit of spiritual direction is a deeper understanding of God’s presence, personally and intimately, in the directee’s life. A growing awareness of grace, the movement of spirits, and as we hear in Jeremiah 29:11, the plans He has for us and His love.