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Friendship in Spiritual Direction

Join us for the Carmelite Spirituality Network online Talk on Friendship in Spiritual Direction

St. Teresa of Avila reminds us that “prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.” But can interpersonal friendship also play a role in spiritual direction?

This enriching talk explores the intersection of friendship and Christian spiritual direction. Drawing on contemporary and historical prayer styles from differing charisms within the world of Christian Spiritual Direction, we’ll delve into how authentic friendships—rooted in prayer and virtue—can both challenge and enrich the practice of spiritual direction. From Teresa of Avila’s call for friendships that foster communal love to John of the Cross’s reflections on how relationships draw us closer to God, this session offers profound insights into how friendship shapes our journey toward union with the divine.

Participants will explore how spiritual directors can balance friendship’s benefits with the risks of attachment, using examples from Christian spirituality and practical applications. Through reflection and discussion, you’ll discover how friendship in spiritual direction can foster trust, authenticity, and transformation while keeping God at the centre.

Join us to examine friendship not only as a human connection but as a spiritual tool—a path to deeper understanding of “who we are to God and who God is to us.”

Date: Saturday 25th January 2025

Time : 16:00pm (UK, London)

Friendship in Spiritual Direction

Speaker: David Clayton

Sponsored by the CARMELITE SPIRITUALITY NETWORK 

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David Clayton is a qualified and experienced Spiritual Director, Supervisor, and Behavioural Analyst committed to guiding individuals on their transformational journey toward greater self-awareness, purpose, and personal growth. Having trained as a Spiritual Director and Supervisor in Carmelite and Ignatian Spirituality, alongside an embedded practice of Mystical, Desert and Monastic Spirituality. He has a unique blend of expertise in behavioural science and spiritual direction, he provides a holistic approach that emphasises both inner development and practical application.

Schedule

3.45pm            Zoom opens
4.00pm            Opening Prayer and Introduction
4.10pm             Session 1: Friendship in Spiritual Direction
5.00pm            Comfort Break
5.15pm             Shared Reflection – Breakout Rooms
5.40pm            Interactive Session
5.50 pm           Plenary

6.00 pm           Silent Guided Prayer

The Carmelite Spirituality Network is offering this workshop for its members as part of enriching the ministry of Spiritual Directors.

This is also open to spiritual practitioners of other traditions of Christian spirituality – spiritual directors/accompaniers, formators, guides, retreat facilitators or anyone interested in spirituality.