The experience of prayer in spiritual direction

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relation, or better to look closer, at the experience of prayer in spiritual direction. After considering both realities of spiritual direction and prayer, I explored the question whether people today still look for spiritual direction, and why, if yes, do they look for it. I also delved deep into the aim of spiritual direction, seeing it particularly as a help in building up a relationship with God. Apart from the literature sources, I felt that I also had to contact some of the authors and others who are themselves spiritual directors. These interviews, not only answered in a direct way my questions, but enriched the literature I read and investigated. Some confirmed what was written in the previous years, others made me aware of new things happening around us. Finally I end up my research by suggesting a number of recommendations dealing with the matter under study. I strongly hope that this analysis will expose more and more the richness of the experience of prayer in spiritual direction.