Spiritual direction has been an intrinsic part of the Christian tradition since the earliest days of the church when desert mothers and fathers were sought out for their wisdom and guidance. Today, the popularity of retreats and renewed interest in monastic spirituality has put spiritual direction in the spotlight. It is shedding its rather exotic, mystical associations and is increasingly regarded as a core component of Christian ministry. This guide aims to equip clergy and laity engaged in this task, or in training for it. It includes, Part One: What is spiritual direction? This is an exploration of biblical, historical and contemporary models of spiritual direction. What makes a good spiritual director? Part Two covers listening and responding to God, prayer, paying attention, discernment, interpreting religious experience, recognising God in the every day, journalling, and holy leisure. Part Three covers listening and responding to others, listening to stories and experience, looking for signs of grace, pain or crises. Part Four covers listening and responding to ourselves, and Part Five covers spiritual direction in the local church.

This essential new companion from the author of the much-praised Spiritual Direction will help anyone in pastoral care master an essential skill: hearing and speaking from a spiritual perspective. A comprehensive and practical handbook, it includes: Part 1: Missional Listening * Holy listening - to God, ourselves, and our communities * Sharpening our awareness of God at work in our own lives * Deepening our trust in the Holy Spirit * Theological reflection - the weaving of scripture, tradition, culture and experience * Building relationships that empower Part 2: Spiritual Conversation * Respectful engagement * Spiritual needs and a Christian response * Sharing our own stories and those of Jesus * Costly loving

Reflections for Daily Prayer has nourished thousands of Christians for a decade with its inspiring and informed weekday Bible reflections. Now, in response to demand, Reflections for Sundays combines material from over the years with new writing to provide high-quality reflections on the Principal Readings for Sundays and major Holy Days. Contributors include some of the very best writers from across the Anglican tradition who have helped to establish it as one of the leading daily devotional volumes today. For each Sunday and major Holy Day in Year A, Reflections for Sundays offers: * full lectionary details for the Principle Service * a reflection on the Old Testament reading * a reflection on the Epistle * a reflection on the Gospel It also contains a substantial introduction to the Gospel of Matthew, written by renowned Bible teacher Paula Gooder.

This is a 'travel companion' for those who want to make a personal retreat in the Christian tradition, either at home or away, alone or with others. Part 1 encourages us to listen to the Spirit, to pay attention to inner restlessness and to notice our need to 'get away'. It outlines the different types of retreats that may best suit different individual personalities and circumstances and offers essential 'tips for the trip': * introducing contemplation * praying with Scripture * noticing God in the everyday * resisting 'busyness' * recording the journey - i.e. prayer journal Part 2 provides a varied and imaginative range of guided spiritual exercises for your time on retreat and offers support for the unexpected things that may emerge. Part 3 helps you readjust to 'normal life' after the retreat and to explore the question 'where next?'

Time apart to listen to God is an essential component of the Christian life. This wide ranging practical resource offers complete programme ideas - from short spiritual breaks for those who can only manage a couple of hours from their work or family responsibilities, to a range of ideas for whole day and full weekend retreats.
Experienced retreat conductor Sue Pickering explores the elements that are commonly used in retreats: silence, journalling, using craft materials, reflection, lectio divina, imaginative prayer, music and movement, and more.
Out of these building blocks, unlimited retreat programmes can be created. Part two offers themed retreat programme outlines complete with handouts which are downloadable from the accompanying CD Rom. These include Quiet Breakfasts, A Prayer Walk, A Garden Retreat and much more.

Going on a day retreat or quiet day is a regular activity for many local churches. During the preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent, they are especially popular. While many retreat houses and religious communities offer a program for such days, many groups prefer a do-it yourself approach. This resource contains twelve complete day-long programs that are focused around different themes and are appropriate for use at varying times of the Christian year. It is suitable for all ages and assorted pastoral contexts. It also gives step-by-step instructions on creating your own program from scratch. Each session includes: opening worship, short talk 1, reflection exercise, short talk 2, second reflection exercise, prayers and blessings. Additionally there are leaders' notes on all practical aspects of planning and conducting such a day, from booking the venue to handout templates. This new edition comes with download able worship and reflection materials to enrich your program.