Prayer and Spirituality Resourcing Group

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual Direction – sometimes known as Spiritual Accompaniment, with the Director being called a Spiritual Director, Soulfriend or Spiritual Companion – is the prayerful ministry by which one Christian accompanies another, seeking to enable them to discern the place and work of God in their life and to deepen their spirituality, that is, their relationship with God.

The Diocese of St Albans has a brokering scheme to help individuals find a Spiritual Director. All Spiritual Directors in the scheme must:

be a minister within the diocesan code of practice
have attended a recognised training course
regularly attend diocesan resourcing days
attend regular supervision sessions
have a commitment to the diocesan code of confidentiality.

Finding a Spiritual Director (Brokering Scheme)

We offer a Brokering Scheme to link up those seeking spiritual direction and those able to offer it. Finding the ‘right’ person to accompany one’s spiritual journey is a delicate process, and sometimes the person you begin with you will see for many years. Sometimes you may make a change due to a move in house, a move in job or simply because the time may feel right.

Kathy Hinde co-ordinates this scheme, and you can email Kathy for more details.

Spiritual Directors (Spiritual Direction Scheme and Code of Conduct)

All Directors who are offered through the Brokering Scheme are expected to have undertaken both initial training through a recognised body and participate in ongoing regular training. We have in the past offered training for those who wish to train as Spiritual Directors through the Holy Listening course, and are hoping to offer a new course starting in the Autumn.

In addition, Directors are expected to conform to our Code of Practice and required to be part of a confidential Supervision Group.

You can apply for inclusion in the Diocesan scheme as a Spiritual Director by emailing Anna Bosatta.

Initiatives led by the Prayer and Spirituality Resourcing Group

Diocesan Prayer Diary

Going deeper into God is central to Living God’s Love. To go deeper into God is closely connected with prayer.

In his Letter to the Thessalonians, Paul writes: ‘… pray without ceasing…’ (1 Thess 5:16) and it is an injunction that has borne well the test of time.

The quarterly Diocesan Prayer Diary better enables us to continue in prayer, for the mission of the church, for one another and for ourselves so that in all things God may be given the glory. For each day, one area for thanksgiving and one area for intercession in each Parish will be provided, with Diocesan Staff, Chaplains, and various Boards and Diocesan Personnel taking their place across the diary too.

View the Diocesan Prayer Diary

Prayer and Devotional Cards

Prayer and devotional cards are available for various pastoral and spiritual needs, such as:

for use when ill
words of comfort for the bereaved
words of welcome
the use of silence
preparing for one’s own death
beginning a Prayer Group
Will you take our Quiet Day?
Will you take the Prayers?

Courses and Retreats

Holy Listening – a training course for Spiritual Direction in the Diocese of St Albans

The course aims to equip with the necessary skills and competencies those who have discerned a calling to offer the ministry of Spiritual Direction. It is ecumenical, and open to lay and ordained. For enquiries about the next course please contact the PSRG Chair.

Will you take the Prayers? – leading Parish intercessions

Training is offered to parishes, groups or deaneries as desired, on the practice of leading intercessions principally at Sunday services, as well as other occasions. For further details please contact the PSRG Administrator.

How to begin a Prayer Group – different types of prayer groups and how to set them up

Offered to parishes, groups or deaneries, this workshop looks at various styles of Prayer Group – for Intercessory to ‘Exploratory’ – and how to begin them, continue them and resource them… as well as any pitfalls that may be encountered along the way! For further details please contact the PSRG Chair.