The Art of Discernment

Each of the three major religious traditions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam promotes sacred writings as aids for those who seek the Divine. The assistance of an elder on the journey has been equally revered. Spiritual direction, though available to Christians, has recently fallen by the wayside. In an effort to encourage the ancient practice of spiritual direction, Richard Groves describes the art of discerning life s priorities through the help of a companion, a spiritual director, who listens to both the ecstatic moments and the sorrows of life and helps provide focus.

Groves also presents guidelines for asking sacred questions that surface during periods of difficulty. These guidelines help us to wrestle with God, confront our pain, and find wisdom for living with life s challenges. The transformation, which results from this struggle not only affects us as individuals, but also affects society at large.