ECPA 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.

David G. Benner (PhD, York University) is an internationally known depth psychologist, transformational coach and author whose life passion has been helping people walk the human path in a deeply spiritual way and the spiritual path in a deeply human way. Some of his books include Presence and Encounter, Spirituality and the Awakening Self, Sacred Companions and Soulful Spirituality.

Foreword by Larry Crabb Preface: Companions on the Spiritual Journey AcknowledgmentsPart One: Spiritual Friendship 1. The Transformational Journey 2. Hospitality, Presence Dialogue 3. Ideals of Spiritual FriendshipPart Two: Spiritual Direction 4. Demystifying Spiritual Direction 5. Soul Attunement 6. A Portrait of the Process 7. Becoming a Spiritual DirectorPart Three: Combining Spiritual Friendship Direction 8. Spiritual accompaniment in Small Groups 9. Spiritual Accompaniment in Marriage Epilogue: The High Calling of Sacred Companions Suggestions for Further Reading General Listing Index