A Slower, Steadier Way to Listen to God: Reimagining Written Spiritual Direction

Hey, my friend. Just a couple of days ago, I came across a post from Hope Made Strong that reminded me just how powerful spiritual formation can be in the care of others. Not as a reaction to crisis—but as a proactive stance. A way of tending the soul before things unravel.

It named formation as something that builds resilience. Trust. Discernment. Healthier relationships—with God, with others, and with ourselves.

And as I sat with that, I realized: this is the heart of the work I keep being drawn back to. It’s why I’ve been reworking my spiritual direction offering into something more intentional, more spacious, and more supportive over time.

So today, I want to tell you about Written Spiritual Direction: A 12-Week Pathway—and why it’s such a good fit for me, and why it might be a really good fit for you, too.

For me, this pathway brings together so many threads of my own formation and work.

Before I ever sat with people in spiritual direction, I was a teacher. I think in terms of rhythm, progression, and gentle focus over time. I love helping people learn—not just information, but how to listen, how to notice, how to stay with something long enough for it to shape them.

I’m also someone who loves to curate resources. I read widely. I listen to podcasts constantly. I pay attention to the language different voices use when they talk about God, prayer, and transformation. And over the years, I’ve learned that most of us don’t need more content—we need the right thing, at the right time, held with care.

This pathway also reflects the overlap of three practices that have deeply shaped me: spiritual direction, spiritual formation, and journal coaching. For a long time, I held those things separately. But what I’ve seen—again and again—is how powerful it can be when they’re woven together.

Listening to God. Reflecting honestly through writing. Being accompanied by someone who helps you discern what’s stirring beneath the surface. Written spiritual direction is the place where all of that comes together.

But I also created this pathway with you in mind.

I know many people are curious about spiritual direction—but hesitate. Sometimes because they’re not sure what they’d talk about. Sometimes because they worry they’ll show up and draw a blank. Sometimes because life already feels scattered, and adding one more open-ended thing feels like too much.

This pathway offers structure without pressure.

Over twelve weeks, we focus on one overarching theme or area of discernment in your life. From there, I offer you a weekly rhythm—a Scripture verse, a thoughtfully chosen resource, and journaling prompts—to give your prayer and reflection a gentle center of gravity.

Each week has a slightly different emphasis, but everything ties back to what you’re already carrying.

And here’s how the rhythm works.

We begin with an initial face-to-face call—a space to connect, pray together, and discern what you’re needing in this season. From there, you’re supported primarily through written spiritual direction, with weekly touchpoints via email or Voxer. You’re not left alone with the material. You’re being listened to, reflected back to, and accompanied as you notice where God is at work.

There’s also a follow-up call at the end of the twelve weeks to reflect, integrate, and listen for what’s next. And if it would be helpful, you can choose to add a midpoint call as well.

What I’ve found is that this blend—face-to-face presence and written accompaniment—creates a surprising amount of depth. Writing gives us time to be honest. It slows us down. It often reveals things we didn’t know were there. And for many people, having something concrete to return to each week is actually a relief.

At its core, this pathway is about spiritual formation as care. Not fixing yourself. Not hustling toward growth. Not forcing clarity. But being formed—slowly, intentionally—into someone who knows how to listen. Someone who trusts God’s presence. Someone who can discern without rushing. Someone who is being cared for, not managed.

If you’ve been longing for a steady place to tend your spiritual life…
If you want guidance but not overwhelm…
If you’re curious about spiritual direction but would welcome a shared focus to begin…

This may be an invitation worth paying attention to.

You can learn more about Written Spiritual Direction: A 12-Week Pathway by visiting lovedoesthat.org/spiritualdirection.

And if this isn’t what you need right now, that’s okay. Truly. You might start with one of my personalized journaling guides, or book a single journal coaching call. Or you might simply keep listening to the podcast and letting these conversations meet you where you are.

I want to honor the season you’re in.

And if you are finding yourself longing for more—more depth, more consistency, more intentional care—then Written Spiritual Direction is the most in-depth way to work with me. It’s designed for those who don’t just want insight, but ongoing support as they listen, discern, and respond to God over time.

As always, I’m so grateful you’re here. Take good care, my friend—and keep listening for the gentle movements of God in your life.

RELATED EPISODES:

• Episode 136: 5 Misconceptions of a Christian Spiritual Director
• Episode 66: [Written Spiritual Direction Session] Loneliness
• Episode 33: Written Spiritual Direction: How Letters and Messages Can Create Space for God