Ever wondered what spiritual direction (or as I prefer to call it, spiritual accompaniment) really is? It’s not about being told what to do, but about having someone walk alongside you as you listen for God’s voice in your life.

Read on to learn more…..

Spiritual direction is a centuries-old practice in which one believer accompanies another in paying attention to God’s presence and activity in their life.

Personally, I prefer to call it spiritual accompaniment. That word captures the essence of what happens in this relationship: one person walking alongside another, supporting them to notice and respond to God’s loving presence. The director (or accompanier) is not there to dictate, but to walk with you on your unique journey of faith.

What Happens in Spiritual Direction (Accompaniment)?

In a typical session, you might share what’s been happening in your life, your prayer, your joys, and your struggles. The accompanier listens attentively, asks gentle questions, and helps you recognize where God may be speaking. It’s less about “fixing problems” and more about deepening awareness of God’s love and guidance.

A spiritual accompanier is not a counsellor, life coach, or therapist, though the experience may sometimes feel supportive in similar ways. The focus is always on your relationship with God, not on problem-solving or advice-giving.

Why Seek Spiritual Direction or Accompaniment?

People come to spiritual accompaniment for many reasons:

• To grow in prayer and intimacy with God.
  
• To discern important life decisions.
  
• To find God in times of transition, loss, or confusion.
  
• To stay grounded in faith during the busyness of life.
  

Over time, spiritual accompaniment helps you cultivate a habit of noticing God’s presence, not just in quiet moments, but in ordinary routines and unexpected places.

A Journey Together

Whether we call it spiritual direction or spiritual accompaniment, the heart of the practice is the same: it’s a journey of companionship. The accompanier isn’t a guru with all the answers but a fellow traveler pointing you back to the true Guide—the Holy Spirit.

As the ancient Christian tradition reminds us, God is already at work in each person’s life. Spiritual accompaniment simply gives us the time, space, and companionship to recognise that truth more clearly.

Contact me now to start your journey