Walking with Souls: The Holy Art of Guidance
Foundations of Christian Spiritual Guidance
Spiritual direction is one of the most sought-after practices within Christian spirituality and plays a vital role in the process of spiritual formation. Rooted in various streams of Christian tradition, this biblical practice helps cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence and a clearer discernment of His work in our daily lives. As a transformative practice of spiritual formation, its gift is profound: it invites you to listen more attentively to God’s voice and become more attuned to His real presence. This series on spiritual direction and guidance will provide a brief introduction and orientation, whether you're seeking spiritual direction for your own growth or sensing a calling to guide others into a deeper awareness of God’s presence.
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Today: Spiritual Direction as Soul Care
The word "soul" is a popular term today. It wasn’t always that way—once, words like "soul," "spiritual," and "spirit" were met with skepticism. But now, the soul has gone mainstream. Aretha Franklin was “the queen of soul,” Derek Jeter was considered “the soul” of the Yankees. We talk about soul music, soul food, and soul mates, often describing experiences as “soulful.”
In these contexts, "soul" represents more than just an object or thing—it refers to something central, meaningful, and deeply connected to who we are. Soul food, for example, isn’t just about the recipes; it’s about the deep sense of comfort and community shared around the table. Soul music isn't only the notes or rhythms, but the emotional response it evokes, touching us deeply. A soul mate is someone who deeply understands and connects with us. Even the term "old soul" refers to someone who seems wise beyond their years, grounded in a way that transcends age.
All of these uses point to one key idea: the soul is at the heart of our experience. Even though it’s non-physical, we know when our soul is thriving—when it’s nourished and healthy, it shapes everything in our lives. Likewise, when the soul is neglected and poorly formed, it also shapes everything in our lives. You can see from this that soul care is vital, not a luxury. It influences our well-being, impacting the very quality of our existence.
Jesus on the Soul
This idea of the soul being central isn't new. Even in spiritual teachings, the soul’s influence on life is paramount. Jesus captured this beautifully in the Gospel:
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Matthew 16:26, NIV)
The New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) takes it further:
What will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life?
Here, in one sentence, Jesus connects the dots between soul and life itself. As the soul thrives, so does life; as the soul falters, life loses its meaning. This profound connection highlights just how essential the soul is to both our spiritual and physical existence. It’s the anchor, the center from which everything else flows.
The Care and Cure of Souls
In the insightful book Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls, Gary Moon and David Benner explain the origin of the phrase "care of souls." It comes from the Latin cura animarum. While cura is usually translated as "care," it also carries the idea of "cure." Care refers to actions meant to support the well-being of someone or something, while cure refers to actions intended to restore lost well-being.
The primary work of spiritual direction is rooted in the old and historic task of the care and cure of souls. While the phrase may sound old-fashioned, it remains relevant. Spiritual guides are called to care for souls that have been affected and wounded by sin, sorrow, and shame. By walking soulfully with others, they help create a space where souls are healed through love, attention, trust, and grace.
A spiritual guide’s role is not to force a change or take the initiative themselves. Rather, they cultivate awareness that God is already at work. God has taken the first step and is moving at a deep, soul-level. The guide’s task is to help the seeker listen for and discern what God has been doing in their soul to bring healing and transformation.
The Cure of Souls Takes Time
The cure of souls takes time. Its more like a slow read than a speed read of the seeker. Something has been going on in the seeker’s depths for a long time. God has been and is the central reality in what has been going on, though the seeker may be unaware of God’s Presence and activity. that process. The work of the spiritual guide is not to announce and tell the seeker what God is doing, but to live long with the conviction that God is up to something here and discover with the seeker what God is doing and, then, learn together how to respond to God’s prior work.
Curiosity Deepens Care of Soul
If care (and cure) of souls is our aim, then this word is important: one of our best resources is holy curiosity. Over the years, I’ve picked up questions that have piqued my curiosity about my own journey into a deeper life with God. Sometimes they made me scratch my head in unknowing. Sometimes, they took courage to follow where they led. Though they set things in motion, it has often taken patience and time for my soul to awaken. But with peristence, patience, and a good guide, most of the time they led deeply inward, to my soul. Here are a few of the questions that have helped me the most:
What has God been doing here?
What history of God’s love (or grace) can I find in this situation?
What has God set in motion that I can get in on?
I don’t remember where I’ve found these questions, but what I’ve found is that one good question leads to more, and if I am resolutely willing to follow them, what I discover as they lead me inward is the chance to be reborn at deeper and deeper levels.
Summary:
I find it helpful to remember constantly that doing the holy work of caring for souls can move beyond care to cure of souls. As mutual relational trust grows between a guide and a seeker, a few honest questions and deep listening together begins to uncover what God is up to in our lives and how we can respond. This process is slow but, with the grace of God, it can lead to the healing and transformation of the soul.
Tomorrow: Sabbathing and Rest in Spiritual Direction
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If you have more questions about spiritual direction as a Christian spiritual formation practice, or are interested in how to become a spiritual guide, I’d love to engage in a converation with you.