Posted by jboy on May 15, 1999 at 17:38:12:
In Reply to: Re: Prayer and Holiness posted by Anne Ward on May 15, 1999 at 13:37:05:
>>>>Hope you can clear this up for me. You wrote: " so, to make the point, all gifts of prayer are unmerited and to choose to embark on this or the other journey of prayer, discursive versus nondiscursive, is a decision which requires much discernment regarding all things both psychological and spiritual known to the director and directee."....well, that sure seems to say [if I understand it correctly, which I may not], that someone else or in collusion/discussion with someone else, one's prayer gift is to be decided. does this not retrain the movings and mysterious workings of the Holy Spirit?<<<<<<
i wouldn't say what is *normative* or *prescriptive* for John or Mary Doe, but there are those who, led by the Spirit, desire to undertake the life of prayer ... how shall i say? ...very seriously? ... and, if so, i would say, yes, some work in direction or on an individually directed retreat might be edifying ... as stewards of the mysteries, God *uses* other people in manifold and various ways to help us along the road to sanctification ... rather than thinking they might be *directing* us or retraining the movements of the Spirit, directors help us to listen more attentively
if you look at my Spiritual Direction "Tickler" Lists, you'll see better, at least what I mean about that process http://members.xoom.com/Sobert/light.htm
and if you look at the Arraj website at http://www.innerexplorations.com you'll see what some of the issues surrounding various prayer methods and disciplines are
the point is, there are no easy answers ... but all of that aside, i am a BIG believer in Divine Providence and yes, when others are available to guide and journey with us I believe the Spirit would have us journey together ... if a certain ministry is otherwise not available to us, i believe the Spirit gets the job done, mysteriously and magnificently, some other way
peace,
johnboy