Spiritual Direction Resources and Links

Updated on 10/22/2022.

Books

Call Me Lopez, Margaret Silf – A fictional biography of Ignatius of Loyola, structured as conversations between the author and Ignatius at different stages of their lives); free pdf available.

Inner Compass, also by Margaret Silf. An introduction to Ignatian Spirituality. Good for those beginning direction.

Moment by Moment: A Retreat in Everyday Life, Carol Ann Smith. A classic, gentle introduction to Ignatian Spirituality. Works as a stand-alone devotional for those beginning direction, as an introduction to the Exercises, or as a transition away from the Exercises.

Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life, Dennis Linn, Sheila Linn, Matthew Linn. A short, gentle introduction to the Examen, illustrated with soft watercolors. It looks like a children’s book and would be a good guide for a family wanting to implement the Daily Examen with and for their children, but speaks to adults as well.

The Way of Transition, William Bridges – Not from a religious viewpoint, but provides a helpful conceptual and metaphorical framework for navigating the stages of transition, discovering vocation, and archetypal journeys.

The Spiritual Exercises

The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius in Everyday Life, Kevin O’Brien, SJ. A modern classic that makes the exercises accessible while retaining their depth. 32 weeks.

Available online in an abbreviated form (8 weeks).

Journey with Jesus: Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, Larry Warner – the Exercises adapted for Protestants and evangelicals, written by a spiritual director and longtime collaborator with the Vineyard Association of Churches. Additional resources are available at Larry’s website, b-ing.org. Not as intensive as the full spiritual exercises.

An Online Retreat for Everyday Life, Creighton University – 34 weeks. The Spiritual Exercises online. Can be read online or done by downloading audio files. Includes art / visual aids to inspire meditation. A sporadically heavy focus on the Virgin Mary, so Protestants may wish to adapt those portions.

The Spiritual Exercises – the Puhl translation (1951). An older version, translated from Spanish. Elevated and somewhat archaic diction requires a fairly high reading comprehension level and vocabulary.

Websites / Apps

Centering Prayer (app) – Centering prayer can help busy, distracted minds relax and rest in God’s presence. Customize your experience with Bible verses, prayer, music, background image, and a timer. On itunes and google play.

Reimagining the Examen (app) – The daily examen helps you become aware of God’s presence on a day-to-day, hour-by-hour basis and to hear his invitations to you. Contains a traditional examen as well as about 2 dozen for specific occasions or emotional states (“Uncovering Hidden Truths,” “Gratitude,”  “I’m Drained!”). Download the app here.

Explorefaith.org – Pray the Divine Hours; other resources, including Enneagram types.

Ignatian Spirituality – Resources and blog posts on Ignatius and the Jesuits, discernment, prayer, and the examen.

Pray As You Go – Daily Ignatian devotionals in an audio form, paired with sacred music; also available as an app.

Sacred Space: Your Daily Prayer Online –  Ignatian prayers with reflections that follow the Lectionary Scripture readings. (An alternative to “pray as you go” for those who need the written word to concentrate.)

Renovare – “Practical resources for cultivating a ‘with-God’ life.” Renovare was founded by Richard Foster.

Spiritual Directors International – This interfaith membership maintains a directory of directors, produces publications and conferences as well as maintains online resources, and suggest best practices and ethical guidelines for spiritual directors and the practice of spiritual direction. You can find my profile in their online directory.

Grafted Life Ministries – Home to the ESDA (Evangelical Spiritual Directors Association), it offers a searchable database of directors who meet certain standards of education and ethics and assent to an evangelical statement of faith. It also features a list of affiliated Spiritual Direction training programs.

Training and Resources

The Schools of Sustainable Faith – Includes The School of Spiritual Direction, a two-year cohort-based program for prospective spiritual directors, as well as The Ignatian Formation Program, for those who wish to establish a contemplative life without training to be a director.

Spiritual Director Formation Program – At the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York City. A two-year program focused on Ignatian Spirituality in a variety of spiritual traditions. Partial scholarships offered. The program also offers semi-regular one-day training opportunities for directors. StFrancisXavier@sfxavier.org

Ignatian Spiritual Direction Initiative – Provides networking, training opportunities, and resources for spiritual directors in the Northeast and connects those seeking direction with directors. Sign up for their e-newsletter to receive regular updates on in-person and online classes and retreats. Directors may also sign up to be included in their Catalog of Spiritual Directors.

Office of Ignatian SpiritualityBased on the East Coast, it provides training and formation in Ignatian Spirituality, as well as resources for those offering and seeking direction. Its ongoing seminars for directors are usually well-taught and affordable.

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