Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction

In her slim volume Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction, Episcopal priest and spiritual director Margaret Guenther has provided a jewel of a book for those interested in spiritual direction, and more particularly, for those who are interested in becoming spiritual directors. Spiritual direction is rather difficult to classify. It is part art, part science, part skill. It bears relations to pastoral care and psychological therapy, but there are important differences. `Spiritual direction is not psychotherapy nor is it an inexpensive substitute, although the disciplines are compatible and frequently share raw material. Spiritual direction is not pastoral counseling, nor is it to be confused with the mutuality of deep friendships, for it is unashamedly hierarchical.' This hierarchy is one of the stumbling blocks for many, ironically particularly for those in the clergy. One must have trust in the spiritual director. To be a spiritual director, one must inspire trust, the kind of trust that enables the directee to understand that it is for that one's good that all effort will be focused. `What a gift to bring to another, the gift of disinterested, loving attention!' Guenther's first chapter talks about this aspect of trust and attention by likening spirtual direction to a journey. Many spiritual writers have used the metaphor of the journey in the past, so frequently perhaps that it almost becomes an inside joke among some. However, Guenther's exploration of the importance of hospitality toward the stranger on a journey sets a good foundation. For the spiritual director and the spiritual directee, many aspects of preparation are the same. A respect for silence, an importance placed on attention, and an openness and willingness for questioning are shared aspects. For the one seeking spiritual direction, the necessity for looking beyond books such as this toward a spiritual direction `in real life' is underscored. Making the space a safe one is also important for the spiritual director. This requires more than simple confidentiality. It requires a degree of self-control in gauging one's reactions, allowing silence, not adding simple or quick answers, and recognising one's own appearance and tendencies for response. In the chapter entitled `Good Teachers', Guenther explores the teaching and learning aspects of spiritual direction. `So what does the spiritual director teach? In the simplest and also most profound terms, the spiritual director is simultaneously a learner and a teacher of discernment.' Discernment requires perception and judgment. The spiritual director needs to be open and experienced. The directee needs to be similarly open, and willing to be known and reflective upon the tasks of discernment called forth by the director. Both director and directee must be willing to discover deeper truths about themselves. Using the example of Jesus as a teacher, and looking as qualities of good teachers, Guenther relates these to the tasks o

This is a great resource for any person seeking information and understanding of their call in spiritual direction (Holy Listening),especially those begining in this ministry. It is an easy read and one that can be understood but also challenging. It does offer time to reflect on their own journey as Margaret tells her story as she proceeds with her ministry. I would highly recommend this book to all clergy and laity alike.

In "Holy Listening," Episcopal priest and theologian Margaret Guenther explores the ministry of spiritual direction, discussing it from the perspective of hospitality, teaching, midwifery, with a special chapter on women and spiritual diretion. Although she offers plenty of practical advice and suggestions, she avoids didactism, or lecturing. Her use of vignettes and stories are very helpful.This book is invaluable both for a would-be or practicing director (or so I would imagine), or anyone currently receiving spiritual direction, or interested in pursuing it. In a very gentle, non-judgemental way, Ms. Guenther outlines stages, benefits and limitations of spiritual direction. Her writing style is warm, accessible, and engaging. An excellent resource for this ministry.

I am a reader from Argentina and really loved reading the book, which I found to be a very sensible and realistic approach to Spiritual Guidance. I am Roman Catholic, finished a two year chourse on Spiritual directiion and learnt a lot with M. Guenthers' book. She puts into words, in a very simple manner what Spiritual Direction is all about. Her examples are very clear and I found the book so interesting to read. I especially liked chapter 3, where she compares the director to a midwife. I have read many other books on this subject, bun none was so practical as this one.