The Compass Center Certificate in Spiritual Direction is a nine-month journey for those called to become spiritual directors. While it includes all the essential elements of a program—curriculum, assignments, guided discussions, and practical experiences—it offers much more. It is a soulful way of life, discovered along the way, that invites deeper communion with the Living God. As you walk alongside others seeking a richer relationship with God, you will pause, listen, and learn together to discern what God is doing in and around you.
Throughout this nine-month journey, you will explore two core areas: the theology, history, and practices of contemplative spiritual formation—through readings, exercises, guided cohort dialogue, and a retreat residency—and the practice of spiritual direction itself—through group experiences at our retreat and by offering spiritual direction, with reflection, under the guidance of a Compass Center leader.
WELCOME TO SECTION FOUR!
June marks the fourth section in our Certificate in Spiritual Direction program. Up to now, we’ve focused primarily on your personal experimentation with spiritual formation practices—building a foundation rooted in your own interior life with God.
We’ll continue exploring the dynamics of spiritual formation throughout the program, but this month we begin a gentle shift. In June, we’ll lean more intentionally into the deep soul work of spiritual direction itself. Each coming month will add new layers to your understanding of the process, the goals, and the posture of this sacred calling.
THIS MONTH’S FORMATION FOCUS: Christian Contemplative Prayer
You’ve already begun exploring contemplative Scripture reading through the practice of lectio divina. Within the Christian contemplative tradition, this way of reading aims to cultivate communion with God—not just comprehension. The word intimacy is often used to describe what begins to unfold: a richer, more personal experience of God's presence. Some describe it as discovering a deeper life with God.
Whatever words resonate most with you, the movement is the same: from a brain-deep relationship with God to a heart-deep one.
Contemplative prayer builds upon this. You’ve already tasted it in the contemplatio step of lectio divina, but contemplative prayer itself is a rich and varied stream within the Christian tradition. In June, we’ll explore it more directly. I encourage you to experiment, to play with this form of prayer as you continue your Scripture reading in the lectio rhythm. Our first video—available June 1—will offer guidance and examples to help you engage.
READINGS FOR JUNE
This month, we’ll finish our journey with Henri Nouwen. You'll read Eugene Peterson's chapters on prayer. (Later, we’ll return to Peterson’s writings on spiritual direction.) For now, you’ll also be introduced to a few selected pages from Spiritual Direction and the Cure of Souls, a text that adds depth and theological grounding to our unfolding understanding.
Starting next month, we’ll begin reading deeply in your final two course texts, which will carry us through the remaining months of the program.
INTRODUCING ZOOM COHORT CONVERSATIONS
We’re also launching our monthly Zoom cohort conversations in June! These gatherings will be a space for reflection, connection, and spiritual companionship. I’ll host them personally. Look for an email soon with details and scheduling options. I wanted to mention it here so you can begin setting aside space in your schedule to surface and connect with others on the journey.