{"product_id":"sacred-companions-the-gift-of-spiritual-friendship-direction-9780830832705","title":"Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship Direction","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eECPA Gold Medallion Finalist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe need companions on our spiritual journey.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe modern world has taught us to value autonomy and individualism. Our churches often see spirituality as personal and private. But we cannot go long in our Christian pilgrimage before realizing that isolation leads to spiritual barrenness. We soon discover that our souls long for accompaniment, intimacy and spiritual friendship. As a result, many Christians today are rediscovering the ancient practice of spiritual direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this inviting guide, David G. Benner introduces readers to the riches of spiritual friendship and direction, explaining what they are and how they are practiced. Spiritual direction moves beyond mere moral lifestyle accountability and goes deeper than popular notions of mentoring or discipling. Through prayerful, guided attunement to God's activity, sacred companions provide care for the soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf we are to experience significant spiritual formation and growth, our souls must be nurtured through spiritual companions. Benner, well-accustomed to God's work through relationships, models the kind of traveling companion who can move us toward deeper intimacy with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eDavid G. Benner (PhD, York University) is an internationally known depth psychologist, transformational coach and author whose life passion has been helping people walk the human path in a deeply spiritual way and the spiritual path in a deeply human way. Some of his books include \u003ci\u003ePresence and Encounter\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSpirituality and the Awakening Self\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSacred Companions\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eSoulful Spirituality\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"IVP Formatio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50566341230866,"sku":"9780830832705","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_ebcdfdff-b74b-4011-bd45-4f2ec089a2df.jpg?v=1731895235","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/sacred-companions-the-gift-of-spiritual-friendship-direction-9780830832705","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}