Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction

by David G. Benner

Book Overview

An ECPA 2003 Gold Medallion FinalistWe 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 of mentoring 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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0830823425
• ISBN13: 9780830823420
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.7" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Delightful

Very insightful and practical for the person interested in Spiritual Direction. I will definitely be reading it again right after I finish it the first time through. It will stay on my desk for awhile. Neil

Spiritual Direction Book

This book was a gift for a spiritual friend of mine. She is taking classes on becoming a spiritual director. I was happy to learn that this book turned out to be of help to her during the writing of one of her papers. She is enjoying the book immensely.

Practical and thought provoking

This is an excellent book that will challenge and expand your view of spiritual mentors/directors. I read this book with my small women's group and we got a lot out of it. The best part is it not only talks about spiritual direction, but it also gives practical advice and examples. It is both theoretical AND practical in nature, which is sometimes hard to find. Highly recommend!

Excellent Introduction to Spiritual Accompaniment

Recently, I've started getting interested in the Spiritual Direction, so I picked up this book. I expected it to be a practical book about how to give spiritual direction. And, I'm glad to say that I was not disappointed. Dr. Benner gives us two paths of "Spiritual Accompaniment": spiritual friendship (which is informal) and spiritual direction (which is more formal). He also gives useful examples (even transcripts of actual sessions) and general principles which are quite informative for anyone considering pursuing spiritual direction, either as director or directee. My favorite chapters are probably the last two, though. Here, he considers placing spiritual accompaniment in two specific contexts. First, there is the small group. His chapter here outlines the use of the Lectio Divina (a form of devotional reading for those who are less familiar with it) in fostering deep spiritual sharing in a small group rather than simply using a small group for fellowship or Bible study. Second, there is marriage. Sadly, many marriages, even if successful, lack spiritual content, and Dr. Benner offers ideas of how actively pursuing spiritual friendship and direction with your spouse can be a relationship which draws you together spiritually. Sacred Companions is written for someone who is relatively new to spiritual accompaniment, and as such is written with relatively little jargon. Also, he includes an extensive topical list of suggestion for further reading on a number of topics, from prayer to Lectio to spiritual direction and theology. If you're looking for a book that's a good introduction to spiritual accompaniment, then this is a book I would certainly recommend.

Essential

This book is essential for anyone who wants to go deeper with God. It discusses all aspects of spiritual friendship and spiritual direction, with an emphasis on prayer and experience over answers and advice. There are key insights about our relationship with God and with others. A wonderful, inspiring, and motivating book.