Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction [Paperback]

David G. Benner (Author), Larry Crabb (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 23, 2004

An ECPA 2003 Gold Medallion Finalist! We need companions on our spiritual journey. The modern world has taught us to value autonomy and individualism. Our churches often see spirituality as personal and private. But we cannot go long in our Christian pilgrimage before realizing that isolation leads to spiritual barrenness. We soon discover that our souls long for accompaniment, intimacy and spiritual friendship. As a result, many Christians today are rediscovering the ancient practice of spiritual direction. In this inviting guide, David G. Benner introduces readers to the riches of spiritual friendship and direction, explaining what they are and how they are practiced. Spiritual direction moves beyond mere moral lifestyle accountability and goes deeper than popular notions of mentoring or discipling. Through prayerful, guided attunement to God's activity, sacred companions provide care for the soul. If we are to experience significant spiritual formation and growth, our souls must be nurtured through spiritual companions. Benner, well-accustomed to God's work through relationships, models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Spiritual direction is in vogue, although like so many other practices found in contemporary spiritual expression, it's a time-honored discipline for spiritual development. Benner, with impressive credentials in depth-psychology and psychoanalysis and author or editor of multiple books in the field, gives evangelical Christians a gentle introduction to spiritual direction and friendship, and to the mystical knowledge of God in which these practices are rooted. He acknowledges early in the book the skepticism of his intended audience. "Protestants are often suspicious of mysticism," he writes, linking this observation to a criticism of excessively intellectual processing of God's word as revealed in the Bible and as proclaimed from the pulpit by centuries of preachers. There is another way of knowing God, Benner suggests, and spiritual direction is a useful and legitimate tool for working toward this theologically unimpeachable aim. He uses the Protestant-friendly language of "spiritual discipline" and "prayer" and widens the meaning of these terms by adding Catholic figures such as Ignatius Loyola, Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen to the mix. He also draws upon early Christian history and its practice of centering prayer. His writing is occasionally repetitive and abstract too many words circling around a core of meaning. On the whole, however, Benner's book represents a vital attempt to stoke the fire of spirit in order to grow in Christian faith.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

David G. Benner is director of the Institute for Psychospiritual Health and Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at the Psychological Studies Institute in Atlanta, Georgia. An experienced spiritual director and retreat leader, Benner is the author and editor of many books, including the Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling and Care of Souls. He is an executive editor of the journal Conversations. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (July 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 083083270X
• ISBN-13: 978-0830832705
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #69 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Pastoral Counseling

More About the Author

David G. Benner (Ph.D., York University) is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, Georgia. Previously he was an associate fellow at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society at University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. A psychologist, spiritual director and retreat leader, Benner has written and edited many books, including the Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling and Care of Souls. He is the founding executive editor of the journal Conversations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to Spiritual Accompaniment, August 16, 2007

By 

Lucas M. Engelhardt (Columbus, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction (Hardcover)

Recently, I've started getting interested in the Spiritual Direction, so I picked up this book. I expected it to be a practical book about how to give spiritual direction. And, I'm glad to say that I was not disappointed.

Dr. Benner gives us two paths of "Spiritual Accompaniment": spiritual friendship (which is informal) and spiritual direction (which is more formal). He also gives useful examples (even transcripts of actual sessions) and general principles which are quite informative for anyone considering pursuing spiritual direction, either as director or directee. My favorite chapters are probably the last two, though. Here, he considers placing spiritual accompaniment in two specific contexts. First, there is the small group. His chapter here outlines the use of the Lectio Divina (a form of devotional reading for those who are less familiar with it) in fostering deep spiritual sharing in a small group rather than simply using a small group for fellowship or Bible study. Second, there is marriage. Sadly, many marriages, even if successful, lack spiritual content, and Dr. Benner offers ideas of how actively pursuing spiritual friendship and direction with your spouse can be a relationship which draws you together spiritually.

Sacred Companions is written for someone who is relatively new to spiritual accompaniment, and as such is written with relatively little jargon. Also, he includes an extensive topical list of suggestion for further reading on a number of topics, from prayer to Lectio to spiritual direction and theology.

If you're looking for a book that's a good introduction to spiritual accompaniment, then this is a book I would certainly recommend.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and thought provoking, July 7, 2008

By 

Susan "Ps40Life" (Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction (Paperback)

This is an excellent book that will challenge and expand your view of spiritual mentors/directors. I read this book with my small women's group and we got a lot out of it. The best part is it not only talks about spiritual direction, but it also gives practical advice and examples. It is both theoretical AND practical in nature, which is sometimes hard to find. Highly recommend!

17 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential, March 12, 2005

By 

Penni L. Smith "HOPE" (Foresthill, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction (Paperback)

This book is essential for anyone who wants to go deeper with God. It discusses all aspects of spiritual friendship and spiritual direction, with an emphasis on prayer and experience over answers and advice. There are key insights about our relationship with God and with others. A wonderful, inspiring, and motivating book.