It is a good rule of thumb for spiritual directors to ask…
““It is a good rule of thumb for spiritual directors to ask themselves, What truly constitutes our spiritual concern here? Am I really being attentive to the Lord in this? What things are getting in the way of our simple, humble intention towards the working of the Holy Spirit in this person's life? All human experience can be said to be spiritual in the largest sense, but spiritual direction should deal primarily with those qualities that seem most clearly and specifically spiritual, those that reveal the presence or leadings of God, or evidence of grace, working most directly in a person's life. This becomes increasingly important as spiritual direction progresses over time with any given individual. In the course of spiritual maturation, concern with superficial psychological experience must give way to a much more basic concern for the discernment of good and evil.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Spiritual directors should focus on deep, divine concerns rather than superficial psychology, seeking God's presence and grace.
In simple terms: Prioritize spiritual over purely psychological matters.
Key Takeaway
Seek deeper spiritual discernment.
Themes
spirituality
guidance
discernment
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
theological
advisory
When to use this quote
- counseling
- pastoral care
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What truly guides your spiritual practice?
- How do you differentiate divine prompting from personal desire?
A Different Perspective
Balancing psychological and spiritual aspects can be challenging.