Honoring Your Inner Altar

Guest Blogger Dr. Amber H. Jones — Some people consider spiritual direction a professional calling, and this description is spot on. Spiritual direction isn't a nine-and-five job. It often requires irregular hours and creative scheduling. For most spiritual directors, it's not a salaried job, even if there is financial compensation. Spiritual directors invest in training, supervision, and continuing education because they feel a divine inner calling to accompany others on their spiritual journeys, not for money or job security.

The Art of Spiritual Direction

Some consider spiritual direction an art, and this description fits. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to this work. Although some skill is required, spiritual direction is like an improvisational dance between the leader, the person being guided, and God. Fluidity, adaptability, grace, creativity, and risk are key elements in co-creating an environment in which God's presence and activity can be experienced.

“Within every man there is an inner ocean, and in that ocean there is an island, and on that island there is an altar, and before that altar stands an angel with a flaming sword. You cannot pass through the angel and be placed on the altar unless you have the seal of authority within you.” – Howard Thurman (1900-1981), Meditations of the Heart

The Privilege of Spiritual Direction

But spiritual direction is also a sacred privilege that should not be overlooked. As wise spiritual leader Howard Thurman reminds us, every person has an inner altar, where nothing can be placed without consent. When our subjects pass by the “angel with the flaming sword” and invite us into their inner sanctum, we are approaching their unique soul and the divine glory that resides within. So the invitation of invitations for us is to enter this sacred space prayerfully, thoughtfully, and calmly. While it may be tempting to make back-to-back appointments, to enjoy small talk with our clients, or to let our minds wander during sessions, this professional calling, this art, this craft, this privilege, demands that we remember the gravity of the sacred ground we stand on when we are with our subjects, and to give ourselves fully and sincerely to the brief time we spend standing at their inner altar.

Standing at the altar

Perhaps the best way to prepare for this work is to spend time at our own inner altar, examining what we have agreed to offer there. By giving serious attention to our own souls with prayer, contemplation, and physical care, we learn how to confidently engage with the divine presence of others.

Dr. Amber Hogan-Jones is a pastor, soul care practitioner, author, and podcaster. She is a graduate of the Spiritual Director's Apprenticeship Training Program with Theresa Blythe. You can find Amber at www.amberhjones.com.

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