Sacred Companions The Gift of Spiritual Friendship Direction by David G Benner

Sacred Companions The Gift of Spiritual Friendship Direction by David G Benner

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 ofmentoring 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.

David G.Benner (Ph.D., York University) is a clinical psychologist and Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at the Psychological Studies Institute in Atlanta. He is the founding director of the Institute for Psychospiritual Health and the author or editor of over twenty publications.