Benedictine
Benedictine Spiritual Direction
Rooted in the Rule of St. Benedict and the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, Benedictine direction invites you into a balanced life of prayer, work, and holy listening.
Vetted directors joining daily
Bryn Stonehouse
Life Transitions
Mignon Murrell
Spiritual Formation
Becca Patton
Spiritual Formation
Jeremy Harrison
Faith & Vocation
Melissa Wuske
Contemplative Prayer
Directors joining daily
Understanding the Tradition
What Is Benedictine Spiritual Direction?
Benedictine spiritual direction flows from the 1,500-year tradition of the Rule of St. Benedict, one of the most influential guides to Christian community life ever written. At its heart is the principle of "ora et labora" — prayer and work — and the conviction that a holy life is found not in extraordinary experiences but in the faithful ordering of ordinary days.
Central to the Benedictine approach is Lectio Divina, a slow, meditative reading of Scripture in which you listen for God's personal word to you. A Benedictine director helps you develop this practice and integrate it into the rhythms of your daily life. The tradition also emphasizes stability (staying put and going deep rather than constantly seeking the new), obedience (listening attentively to God and community), and conversatio (ongoing conversion of life).
Benedictine direction tends to be gentle, grounded, and practical. It is less about dramatic spiritual experiences and more about cultivating a sustained attentiveness to God in the ordinary — in meals, in work, in silence, in community. As Benedict wrote, "Listen with the ear of your heart."
Is This For You?
Who is Benedictine spiritual direction for?
- You are drawn to rhythm, structure, and a balanced spiritual life
- You want to learn or deepen the practice of Lectio Divina
- You value stability and are looking for a long-term spiritual companionship
- You are seeking God in the ordinary routines of daily life, not just mountaintop experiences
- You appreciate hospitality, community, and the wisdom of ancient monastic traditions
- You resonate with the phrase "listen with the ear of your heart"
“The human soul doesn't want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed — to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is.”
— Parker Palmer
Historical Voices
Who's Writing & Teaching About This
These are the people shaping how Benedictine Christians understand and practice spiritual direction today.
Historical roots: St. Benedict of Nursia · St. Scholastica · St. Gregory the Great · Joan Chittister · Esther de Waal · Norvene Vest · Columba Stewart · Michael Casey
We're building out profiles of historical voices in this tradition. Check back soon.
Getting Started With Benedictine Direction
Learn
Explore what Benedictine direction involves and whether it resonates with your spiritual life.
Connect
When our directory launches, you'll be able to find vetted Benedictine directors near you or online.
Begin
Schedule a first conversation. Many directors offer this free so both of you can sense the fit.
FAQ
Benedictine Spiritual Direction FAQ
Begin Your Benedictine Spiritual Direction Journey
Connect with a trained Benedictine spiritual director who will walk alongside you as you deepen your relationship with God.