Soul Friendship

As we continue focusing on spiritual disciplines in our worship services, this past week we looked at one of the most familiar spiritual disciplines, prayer. This week we will be looking at one that is much less familiar, spiritual direction. Though we are perhaps not as familiar with spiritual direction, it can still have an important role in our spiritual growth.

The name spiritual direction itself can be a bit misleading, because it’s not really about giving direction. One of my favorite names for this practice is “soul friendship.” This is less about having someone to guide you in your spiritual growth as it is to have a companion walk with you along the way. Our friends are important, but a soul friend is someone with whom we are able to discuss spiritual matters more deeply. It’s someone who can listen to us and help us see the way that God is at work in our lives.

When my ministry began at North Danvers Mennonite Church, I took a course in spiritual direction. It was very helpful to me, and those who have come to me for spiritual counsel have experienced some of what I learned in that class. Most of us have a hard time seeing what God is doing when we find ourselves in the midst of a difficult time. Simply having another person beside us listening as well can give us an added perspective.

If you feel like you could use a soul friend, then I would encourage you to be intentional in seeking one out. If you’d like help in that process, I’d be more than happy to point you toward some people in our area who are very good at this practice.

Thank you all for continuing to work with us through this difficult time. I appreciate those who have been eager to help. Thanks also for continuing to pray for and encourage the leaders of NDMC.

I continue to pray that you are well.

God bless, Brian