The Way of Spiritual Direction (Consecrated Life Studies) [Paperback]

Francis Kelly Nemeck (Author), Franncis Kelly Nemeck (Author), Marie Theresa Coombs (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Press (July 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814654479
• ISBN-13: 978-0814654477
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #761,411 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb book on the art of listening and of the practice of spiritual direction, July 7, 2005

By 

Diana H C Tan "dianat the book lover" (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Way of Spiritual Direction (Consecrated Life Studies) (Paperback)

A 'technical' book about spiritual direction. Tips for both spiritual directors and directees - what makes a good spiritual director, what can directees expect out of spiritual direction, pitfalls that both director and directees fall into.

If you want to know what it takes to be a spiritual companion (mind you, this is a God-given calling), read this book. Most books on spiritual direction are about specific prayer styles and methods, or they provide 'practicums', that is, those books contain "To Do" and the exercises can be used for reflection and meditation purposes. "The Way of Spiritual Direction" however offers no such exercises except for a bit of bible references in the last part of the book under the chapter, "Personalized Retreats".

What I find helpful in this book are the topics related to listening, loving the directee, and how the relationship between director and directee can be sustained in the light of God's holy presence. The topic on listening is extensively dealt with by the authors and I am made more aware of the 'technicalities' of listening, in other words, the art of listening to another without prejudice and preconceived ideas on my part. I find this to be one of the best books on the art of listening with a spiritual heart.

Listening in a companionship such as spiritual direction is not one-sided. The authors present "Difficulties for the Directee in Listening" as well. Good food for a directee.

Discernment, a hot topic in spiritual direction, is also dealt with in the book. How does one discern Divine Wisdom? How does one test out if indeed the inspiration is from God? How can a director be a co-discerner with his directee in listening to God's voice and inspiration?

The writing is easy and light, sans technical jargons. A superb book to understand about spiritual direction - what "makes" a spiritual director and what makes a discerning directee. For one who is already a director, it makes food for thought - have I the qualities of a director? Am I called by God, or did I "make" myself a spiritual director? For one who is the directee, this book makes food for thought - do I understand why I am in spiritual direction? Is spiritual direction what I need now? Whom should I call upon to be my director?

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Practical Guide to Spiritual Direction., August 28, 2006

By 

Joseph Krupa (Augusta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Way of Spiritual Direction (Consecrated Life Studies) (Paperback)

The authors have taken great care to not only give a great deal of information on spiritual direction, including plentiful references from scripture and other religious sources, but to cover many of the pitfalls and difficulties of establishing and maintaining effective and useful spiritual direction. I get a sense that the authors have personally spent a great deal of time both providing and receiving spiritual direction and have experienced both its benefits and potential difficulties. I think this is a must read especially if someone was intent on developing a resource (retreat center or such) for spiritual direction.

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual Direction in Depth, August 20, 2011

By 

Paul M. Dubuc (Columbus, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Way of Spiritual Direction (Consecrated Life Studies) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book on the practice of spiritual direction. It examines the the relationship in more depth and intimate detail than other books I've read. The writing is clear and well organized, reflecting a qualitative wealth of experience in the authors. This book makes a good companion to their other book on human spiritual development, The Spiritual Journey: Critical Thresholds and Stages of Adult Spiritual Genesis as the cover art would suggest. I highly recommend it for those who feel inclined to offer spiritual direction to others.