The Healing Work Of Spiritual Direction

Abstract

The goal of all spiritual care is spiritual well-being and spiritual health. Spiritual direction is important in this regard as it emphasises developing one's relationship with God which inevitably leads to greater integration of one’s inner and outer life. This article will highlight the practice of spiritual direction which fosters healing and wholeness and is a legitimate approach to caring for the needs of the spirit. This article focuses on how spiritual direction heals. It highlights the nature of the direction relationship as one of presence and nurture and the ministry of compassion that must be engaged in that relationship. Secondly, a by-product of direction, the inner healing of emotions is discussed, as well as selecting appropriate language to communicate hope. Thirdly, within the direction relationship identifying specific spiritual needs is an important resource to facilitate spiritual health. Finally spiritual direction in our South African context can be a healing and life-giving relationship for both the director and the directee.