Sacred Companions | Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction

Discover Spiritual Friendship | Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction | David G. Benner

books:


	• Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction David G. Benner IVP Books, 2004 - 240 pages average customer review:based on 9 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

Companionship on our journey

I was asked to walk alongside a woman recently and at the same time, due to my profession, was advised to seek out a spiritual director. Isn't it amazing how God orchestrates these events? Of course, I do feel I would benefit greatly from a more spiritual person and friend in my life. But of course, I do not feel worthy to be a spiritual advisor to anyone else. But this book is revealing alot to me. "The task of spiritual friends is to help us discern the Presence, will and leading of the Spirit of God." Together we will open ourselves and grow toward that intimate and closer walk with God. I haven't even finished this book, but already I am feeling a greater presence in my daily walk. I have always tried to be obedient to His service, but what is that obedience without surrendering to His love.

for more information click here

Sacred Companions

This book is an exceptionally good introduction to the meaning of personal relationships that are called "spiritual friendship" and " spiritual direction". Good spiritual formation doesn't happen well on a purely individual level. It's important to have some trusted person(s) with whom one can discuss just about anything and be vulnerable and open. American Protestant Christianity in particular has been too individualistic for it's own good. The "just me and Jesus" mindset works out little better than "just me" without a third person who is just as committed to life as a spiritual journey being there to observe and help discern the direction of the Holy Spirit in one's life.

David Benner does a very good job of clearly describing the qualities and characteristics of spiritual friendship and spiritual direction, how they differ from each other and from other similar relationships like counseling, life coaching, discipleship, etc. and how then can be combined in a small group setting or (even!) within the marriage relationship. I highly recommend this book for those who want a good basic understanding of what it means to be "sacred companions". This is a much needed ministry within the church today. I'm very thankful for the people who have filled this role in my life.

for more information click here

Discover Spiritual Friendship

This past summer I attended a seminar in which one of the speakers talked about the importance of having spiritual friends. I was intrigued. His definition of a spiritual friend sounded remarkably like the relationship I share with my best friend in high school. When I spoke with the presenter after the seminar, he referred me to David Benner's book, "Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship and Direction".

One reads some books for information; others are read for solace in the journey. Benner's work falls in both camps. He writes: "The essence of Christian spirituality is following Christ on a journey of personal transformation...Spiritual friends accompany each other on that journey"(p.26). Reading along I discovered things in myself that had never previously been expressed in words.

One such point was highlighted in Benner's repeatedly pointing friends to God rather than providing advice or even reacting to things that were said. Benner writes: "spiritual direction is not primarily about theology. It is about personal, experiential encounter with God" (p. 155). After reading Benner, I started noticing that Jesus also models this kingdom focus. For example, in the Book of Matthew we read: And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3 NIV). Paul likewise appeared to position himself primarily as a spiritual director, not apostle (e.g. Philippians 3:8).

If our faith in Jesus Christ is more caught than taught, spiritual friends play a critical role in our walk with the Lord. Benner's book helped bring me to this understanding

for more information click here

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.

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

An ECPA 2003 Gold Medallion Finalist!

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 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.

for more information click here

reviews: page 1, 2

hot