Customer Reviews

Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction

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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.

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!

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.

This book is an exceptionally good introduction to the meaning of personal relationships that are called "spiritual friendship" and " spiritual direction". Good spiritual formation doesn't happen well on a purely individual level. It's important to have some trusted person(s) with whom one can discuss just about anything and be vulnerable and open. American Protestant Christianity in particular has been too individualistic for it's own good. The "just me and Jesus" mindset works out little better than "just me" without a third person who is just as committed to life as a spiritual journey being there to observe and help discern the direction of the Holy Spirit in one's life.

David Benner does a very good job of clearly describing the qualities and characteristics of spiritual friendship and spiritual direction, how they differ from each other and from other similar relationships like counseling, life coaching, discipleship, etc. and how then can be combined in a small group setting or (even!) within the marriage relationship. I highly recommend this book for those who want a good basic understanding of what it means to be "sacred companions". This is a much needed ministry within the church today. I'm very thankful for the people who have filled this role in my life.

I was asked to walk alongside a woman recently and at the same time, due to my profession, was advised to seek out a spiritual director. Isn't it amazing how God orchestrates these events? Of course, I do feel I would benefit greatly from a more spiritual person and friend in my life. But of course, I do not feel worthy to be a spiritual advisor to anyone else. But this book is revealing alot to me. "The task of spiritual friends is to help us discern the Presence, will and leading of the Spirit of God." Together we will open ourselves and grow toward that intimate and closer walk with God. I haven't even finished this book, but already I am feeling a greater presence in my daily walk. I have always tried to be obedient to His service, but what is that obedience without surrendering to His love.

If you're looking for an excellent introduction to spiritual direction and spiritual friendship, this is your book. Benner knows what he's talking about, and says it in an easy-to-read manner.

This past summer I attended a seminar in which one of the speakers talked about the importance of having spiritual friends. I was intrigued. His definition of a spiritual friend sounded remarkably like the relationship I share with my best friend in high school. When I spoke with the presenter after the seminar, he referred me to David Benner's book, "Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship and Direction".

One reads some books for information; others are read for solace in the journey. Benner's work falls in both camps. He writes: "The essence of Christian spirituality is following Christ on a journey of personal transformation...Spiritual friends accompany each other on that journey"(p.26). Reading along I discovered things in myself that had never previously been expressed in words.

One such point was highlighted in Benner's repeatedly pointing friends to God rather than providing advice or even reacting to things that were said. Benner writes: "spiritual direction is not primarily about theology. It is about personal, experiential encounter with God" (p. 155). After reading Benner, I started noticing that Jesus also models this kingdom focus. For example, in the Book of Matthew we read: And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3 NIV). Paul likewise appeared to position himself primarily as a spiritual director, not apostle (e.g. Philippians 3:8).

If our faith in Jesus Christ is more caught than taught, spiritual friends play a critical role in our walk with the Lord. Benner's book helped bring me to this understanding

Very insightful and practical for the person interested in Spiritual Direction. I will definitely be reading it again right after I finish it the first time through. It will stay on my desk for awhile. Neil

This book was a gift for a spiritual friend of mine. She is taking classes on becoming a spiritual director. I was happy to learn that this book turned out to be of help to her during the writing of one of her papers. She is enjoying the book immensely.