What to Expect in Beginning Spiritual Direction

Walking into your first session of spiritual direction can feel like stepping into an unknown space. You may wonder what’s expected of you or what you’re supposed to say. But a spiritual direction conversation is not meant to be performative; it’s about showing up with whatever you’re carrying and trusting God to meet you there.

A Safe Space to Reflect

At its heart, spiritual direction is a space to pay attention. It’s not therapy, advice, or problem-solving. It’s a conversation where the focus is on listening for God’s voice. Your director will ask questions, not to give you answers but to help you reflect on what God might be saying. 

Questions like:  

- “Where have you noticed God’s presence recently?”  

- “Are there places where you feel stuck or uncertain?”  

A good director is both a listening companion and a spiritual midwife: there to help in your own reflection and discernment about where God is present in your interior and relational life.

The Gift of Trust

Spiritual direction is deeply relational. The first few sessions might feel like getting to know a new friend. You’re building trust, both with your director and with the process itself. Over time, you’ll notice that this trust creates freedom—the freedom to bring your whole self into the conversation, without fear of judgment or expectation: which is the culture we should seek to cultivate in prayer.

An Invitation to Be Present  

Every session is an invitation to pause, reflect, and notice. You might talk about your prayer life, a decision you’re facing, or something stirring in your spirit that you can’t quite name. Your director will help you slow down enough to begin to reflect where God is moving, even in the smallest moments. Trust that showing up is enough. Direction isn’t about achieving anything; it’s about learning to pay attention to God. Let the space shape you, and trust that God is already present, waiting to meet you.

If you’re ready to explore spiritual direction but don’t know where to start, Exponent’s marketplace is a welcoming place to begin. You’ll find trained directors ready to walk alongside you as you step into this sacred journey.