1). I agree with the statement, “The primary task of the person doing spiritual direction is to help the other person live the truth God has shown him or her, not to dictate the details of their life or to enforce a defined order.” When I think of a monastic rule, I see a fraternity or sorority type of setup designed to enhance or enable the growth and development of its members, and accountability to the order. I don’t see it as a form of discipleship even if it is religious. It is an exclusive club. In spiritual direction I see the formation of an inclusive club where diversity is in order, and the purpose is the same for all—“ help the other person live the truth God has shown him or her.” I see accountability to God. In some respect, I have to admit that the Bible may be seen as outlining a predefined order but with a twist. It speaks of teaching and learning for the sake of others-discipleship. The admonishers key focus should be (in love) to incorporate not isolate. Incorporating by helping all of God’s children discover their worth in kingdom building.
2). My faith and receptivity to the Holy Spirit impacts my perspective of spiritual direction in that I have come to believe that experiencing the presence of God is not just a group thing. It is a personal thing. I was one of the people that Dougherty referred to when he stated, “Many people seemed inclined to look to others and to the Holy sources of their faith first for God’s revelation (p. 79). Here I was an inspiration speaker and writer but was not looking inward for God’s will for my life. It was only after my job took me to unfamiliar surroundings that I began to talk to God from the inside out. Sure, there were those who were instrumental in helping me but until I experienced a stirring within my Spirit to take the next step, Winebrenner was just a distant school. I have come to know the importance of listening for God’s voice in the midst of society’s noise. From my perspective, spiritual direction is a magnet that draws us closer to God by helping us to see and feel God’s presence in all of life.
K-group Format (tentative)
We have a beautiful cross in the middle of our pulpit wall. Participant will be encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the session in order to have individual prayer at the foot of the cross. Most of the members are from the intercessory prayer group. I will send a letter to each member of the group, prior to the first meeting, explaining its purpose-contemplative awareness with emphasis on listening. Each session will have a title, to direct the focus of the group.
Group: 6 people. (2 males and 4 females) Meet Friday morning at 9:30 am. Bi-weekly
Goal: “To observe and be aware and open our awareness to God. In opening our awareness to God we might pray for gentle eyes with which to see ourselves and all creation” (p. 78).
First Session- Title: “Corrected Vision-How I see myself and how God sees me.”
1. Individual prayer in sanctuary before start of group time
2. Group prayer / Scripture
3. Introductions and sharing based upon a predetermine question...ex. Who are you?" (No response here)
4. Silence to ponder the question.
5. Sharing/response to introductory question.
6. Second introductory question…”Who are you in Christ?”
7. Silence to ponder responses.
8. Sharing/response to second question
9. Wrap up
10. Exit prayer at altar
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5 comments:
Thanks for your comprehensive post that covered all the requirements. It sounds like your insight regarding spiritual receptivity to be both personal and corporate was augmented by your inward journey which sounds a bit like the Wesleyan experience of being "strangely warmed"?
Your K-Group looks intriguing and should provide meaningful direction for the participants. Questions-->What is your curriculum plan for the duration of your K-group, and on a short term basis-->The next several months?
Using the guidelines presented by Dougherty, my curriculum plan for the next several months will be made up of presenter's reflections/discussions along the lines of their ministry needs: prayer, attitude, listening techniques and any component of their spiritual life that is needed. I would like to find a book to recommend to help with discussion topics. Any suggestions?
This group is being set up for a short term. It will have to be revisited for long term curriculum. I welcome suggestions.
I think that a number of the basic elements of the monastic rule are very much relevant today. In fact this whole notion of spiriual formation is a spin-off from it.We need to get away to and be still. We need to return to simplicity. We need to devote more time to studying scipture, praying and meditating on God's Word. However, I think that there were a number of things that monks once practised, such as, standing on one foot, inflicting pain upon themselves to name a few, were not necessary. But what they were initially responding to was a good thing. The church had become corrupt, political and very wordly. Monasticism was an attempt to return to simplicity and get in a posture where one could experience only God. Today we realize that we still need to get away, but we also realize that we cannot live as a hermit. God has called us to live out our faith not on the mountaintop, but in the valley. Ministry can be so draining and emptying, which it should be. God calls us to be "broken bread and poured out wine" but it takes some time out from this "busyness" to allow God to refresh and restore us.
Ruby,
I really like the format that you have provided and the fact that you provide a time for contemplative prayer and centering in the Sanctuary before the Cross. I recently attended a Catholic Mass for Theology II and seeing the Christ on the Cross had a profound effect on my worship experience. In my own church we do not have any Christological images in the Sanctuary so I think that your beginning at the Cross is great, because it is there that we receive Christ's greatest sacrifice and our greatest gift. I also like your title for your first session "Corrected Vision" because that is something that I am going through right now in my walk with Christ. I was so "busy doing" that I could not see that I was lacking in "being." God had to correct my vision and understanding of being in relationship with him for me to stop and listen for his still small voice in everything that I do and prior to any decisions that I make.
I definitely feel God's presence in your K-Group outline and think that closing with Prayer at the Altar is an awesome way to close out the Group.
Some ideas on long-term curriculum for a K-Group would be gleaning ideas from the course texts, Retreat, and then process with your group a proposal that you have developed. John Michael Talbot developed an eclectic model of Monastic Community life based upon St. Francis of Assisi, but added his own twist. There is not much new under the sun, only rediscovering the ancient paths that we lose, forget, or discard. It takes time, allow the Spirit to birth His vision in your heart.
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