Samantha M Rauh

So what is Spiritual Direction? The simple answer: Holy Listening.

If you have ever been in a counselors office, you know that most of the time you show up and just talk. They will ask you if there is something in particular or keep the conversation going and through their questions, you end up talking about what you needed to talk about whether you knew it beforehand or not.

Spiritual Direction is not unlike that. You show up with your Spiritual Director with a set intention: further intimacy with God. Maybe it is recognizing God in your moment by moment. Maybe you are questioning God's presence in your life completely. Maybe you have a big life decision you need an answer on and you aren't sure you are recognizing God's voice.

A candle is lit for the invitation of the Holy Spirit and invitation for the Triune God to be at the center of this time.

The Holy Spirit is in control of the session.

From there, there may be a spiritual practice you begin with, or perhaps silence. Whatever you bring to your session, your Spiritual Director listens. Based on what you share, or perhaps body language, or your own questions, the Spiritual Director ask questions and point out observations they are noticing.

You will wrap your time with prayer and blessings.

You will not get your Spiritual Directors opinion, personal theology, or political convictions. You will not be told what to do by your Spiritual Director. Your Spiritual Director will not claim to have all the answers.

Your Spiritual Director will dedicate time for intentional prayer for you and what you bring. They will see their own Spiritual Director and peer mentor group to keep themselves accountable and focused on the Holy Spirit, not their own will.

Personally, my Spiritual Director has kept me grounded in my faith and helped me recognize blocks/walls I have put up between myself and God.

Easter
Nap time
Snack time
New best friends
And
Enjoying the sunshine

Photo dump of the last month ☀️

OH and if you are looking for a spokesmodel, I think you found your girl 😉