Seeking Spiritual Direction: How to Grow the Divine Life Within

I’ve appreciated the writing of Fr Thomas Dubay since the first works that were recommended to me. It seems odd to me in the context that his books were recommended, I was studying for certification in the field of spiritual direction, that this very book wasn’t one of the required readings. I was fortunate to have stumbled upon it in the library of a monastery that I frequent and I am so very, very glad I found it.What sets this book apart from others I have read on the subject of spiritual direction is the straight-forwardness of the conversation. Fr Dubay is very clarifying in setting foundations, establishing definitions, and clearing up blurred lines and misinformation with regard to this neglected and needful gift to the Church.All of Part One addresses various aspects of spiritual direction and clarifies definitions. It is appropriately called A Foundation for Spiritual Direction. A couple of the more pertinent topics dealt with in this first section are “What is Spiritual Direction?” and “Do I Need Spiritual Direction.” I like that Fr Dubay is very direct, yet his answers and points made seem very thorough.Part Two of the book is a unique departure from the format of the first section. The questions presented, “Practical Questions and Problems,” are considered and responded to in an interview format. This worked very well for me as I felt myself drawn into a conversation; it was almost as if I were in the room with Fr Dubay and some anonymous interviewer. My attention was rapt and I learned much while topics such as Key Concerns in Spiritual Direction, Self Direction, and Problem that Come up in Spiritual Direction were discussed. Again, the content of the answers was very direct, but no lacking in detail and thoroughness.Part Three, Making Progress, returned to the same format of section one; instead of questions, there were bulleted discussion points, which Fr Dubay shared insights. This section spoke to measuring spiritual growth and discernment in the process of spiritual maturity.A very detailed notes section and an index are included helping the reader to have additional resources for follow up study and/or finding particular topics of interest in this book. It should be noted that the book and accompanying paradigm with which it is written is decidedly Roman Catholic. Let me state unequivocally that this fact alone should not deter reading if your background is that of another Christian tradition. There is a wealth, a cornucopia of spiritual wisdom in this book, Seeking Spiritual Wisdom. My background comes from the Protestant Evangelical stream of Christianity and I will continue to recommend this book with highest regard as one of the best books to clarify what spiritual direction is and the importance of its place and practice in the life of the Christian.

Probably the best book that he had ever written. Anything that you want to know about spiritual direction is covered.There is little doubt that the author lived as he wrote and would be a great saint in Heaven as he died in 2010.Not only is it the best book but I own over 100 books on this subject and his works would be within the top five to consult.

I love this book. Fr. Dubay shows you not only what to look for in a Spiritual Director, but really guides you in deepening your prayer life, whether you find a director or not. The section on Contemplative prayer, what it is, and how to open your heart and mind to receive this gift from God, is excellent. Contemplative prayer is a gift from the Lord and is not the result of a technique or "emptying of the mind" which St. Theresa of Avila, master of Contemplative prayer, decries as ludicrous. Fr. Dubay shows you what you need to do to prepare yourself to accept this Gift.The most valuable part of the book for me are the sections entitled "How Can I Continue to Grow" and "Discernment: Assessing My Progress". These sections really help guide you in your spiritual life and would be valuable for everyone who wants to grow in their relationship with the Lord.As a complement to this book, I highly recommend Fr. Dubay's  Prayer Primer : Igniting a Fire Within  which is excellent for beginners and all those who want to deepen their prayer life and then  Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel-On Prayer  to learn the stages of prayer. You cannot go wrong with these resources which will help guide you your whole life.

This book is not a replacement for a spiritual director, but it is a great help in many ways. He teaches what to look for in a spiritual director and what to do when a spiritual director is not competent in an area in which you are dealing. He also teaches how to get started on your own, if a spiritual director is not available to you. What I found most useful was his instruction on the most basic issues that most people encounter. He cleared up a lot of confusion for me in this area. I think this book probably should be kept and read every year or so as I'm sure I haven't grasped completely everything written in it.

es ist ein gutes buch für ineressierte, wenn man mal ins englische rein gefunden hat, bin auf den gesamten inhalt gespannt.

Very helpful and instructive for the directee.