What is the role of a spiritual guide?

Discernment is an art in itself. It requires prayer, prudence, knowledge of certain rules of discernment, and so on. Spiritual direction provides a person with a space to share and open their heart with a spiritual director (formerly known as a “director of conscience”), whether to discern a way of life or a specific issue, to grow spiritually, to grow in freedom, to discover their deepest desires, and so on. In this article from Hozana, learn a little more about the role of a spiritual guide.



A spiritual mentor listens

A spiritual guide is first and foremost there to listen to you. Before a meeting with your spiritual guide, it’s essential to prepare what you want to say by praying and placing yourself in the light of God and the Holy Spirit. The meeting may focus on your needs—which is why you’re seeing them (if it’s a first meeting)—your progress since your last meeting, how you’re feeling right now, your questions, and so on.

Reminder: There is no requirement that your spiritual director be a priest or a religious. Pope Francis has emphasized that spiritual direction is not a clerical charism, but a baptismal one. However, while it is true that there are generally more spiritual directors—priests and religious—than laypeople, this is often due to their availability, training, and experience.

The Role of a Spiritual Guide in Spiritual Growth

A spiritual guide normally helps the person being guided to grow spiritually, whether through:

  • In their prayer life

  • In their current way of responding to God’s call

  • In resolving a problem

Good to know: If a person being guided feels that they are not making progress with their guide, or that they are not comfortable opening up to them, then it is a good idea for them to consider choosing another guide.

The Role of a Spiritual Director: Recalling the Principles of Discernment

A spiritual director can remind the person of some principles and criteria for discernment, such as:

  • Prayer

  • The inner voice versus the outer voice

  • Freedom

  • Deep desires

  • Inner promptings

  • The Importance of Time

  • What God’s Will Is and What It Is Not

  • The Importance of Being True to God, to Oneself, and to Others

Recommended reading: Check out thisarticle on pitfalls to avoid in discernment.

How Does a Spiritual Director Answer Your Questions?

A spiritual director can also answer your questions, depending on their expertise. These questions may concern faith or the Christian life in general. However, a spiritual director should never tell you what to do or what decision you should make.

A Spiritual Director Guides You in Discernment

A spiritual guide can guide the person seeking guidance in the discernment process, for example by:

  • Providing ideas, suggestions, or resources: The spiritual director can suggest retreat centers, books, or any other resources that help the person being guided grow spiritually.

  • Offering advice on how to establish and/or improve their prayer life and relationship with Christ, etc.

With Hozana, strive for holiness!

Take advantage of the opportunity to receive spiritual guidance so you can grow in freedom and move toward holiness. Hozana offers several communities, such as:

  • This community for

  • This program for

  • 8 Days to