Finding Your Spiritual Direction
A Time of Blessings and Peace
My years of preparation for writing this book have taught me that everyone likes a good story AND that nothing works as well as such a story to illustrate the power of spiritual principles. It is my hope and my fervent prayer that you will both enjoy and feel the power of God’s Holy Spirit in each of these reflections.The autumn years can be a time of significant spiritual growth for those who desire it. Even with their challenges, these years can be a time when gratitude, love and joy abound, as God continues to invite us to come ever closer - ever more deeply in love.
In my 74 years of life on this earth, I have been blessed with many wise teachers, mentors and friends. This is especially true as regards the joy and satisfaction that come with living a loving relationship with the Lord. This book is an attempt to honor those who have taught and loved me, helping me grow ever closer to God. It is my way of “paying forward” the spiritual gifts I have received.
While the book is written for those who are in “the second half of life” - moving to or through their autumn years, I believe anyone can benefit from what is written into these pages. The principles contained herein are important for all who wish to grow in love of God, neighbor and self.
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A Time of Blessings and Peace contains 30 short, thought-provoking essays about important aspects of the spiritual life. These are paired with Scripture references, reflection questions, and sacred music suggestions for prayerful listening.Throughout, I employ the technique of storytelling to set the topic and the tone for your exploration.
Finding Your Spiritual Direction as a Catechist
You don’t have to be a catechist in the formal sense of the word in order to enjoy and benefit from this book. The principles contained herein are important for anyone who wishes to grow in love of God, neighbor and self. Moreover, we each have opportunities every day to model catechetical principles by the way we live our lives.
There is a wise saying, passed down through the ages: “You can’t give what you haven’t got!” In the pages of this book, your are invited to consider some important principles for a holistic, Christ-centered spirituality. In the process, you’ll learn the importance of being passionate and joyful in your faith. You will be given opportunities to reconnect with your own sacred stories and discover how those stories are connected to the greatest story of all.
You will also have a chance to reflect upon your prayer life, and to sample prayer techniques based upon your specific interests and talents. You will discover ways to decrease personal anxiety while increasing the power of faith in your life. And no book on spirituality is complete without a chapter on the topic of forgiveness.
In the final chapter, you will spend some time considering the grace and energy that comes from the spiritual practice of renewing your covenant of love with God each and every day.
"Throughout the book I employ the technique of storytelling to set the topic and the tone for our exploration. My years of preparation for writing this book have taught me that everyone likes a good story AND that nothing works as well as a good story to illustrate the power of a spiritual principle. It is my hope and my fervent prayer that you will both enjoy and feel the power of God’s Holy Spirit in each of the stories. One of my favorite bishops, Bishop Robert Morneau of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is fond of saying: “Every good story is about conversion!” May these stories, all that they contain and all that they inspire, serve as blessings for your life…opportunities for growth and for conversion…while you strive to find your spiritual direction!"
-William B. Miller, Author
Being in a truly loving relationship is one of the most satisfying experiences of a lifetime. And no relationship is as important or as potentially satisfying as the relationship we cultivate together with our Lord.
What Others are Saying about Finding Your Spiritual Direction as a Catechist
Joyce Rupp, osm:
William Miller’s enthusiasm regarding spiritual growth is contagious. This excellent resource provides practical wisdom from Miller’s many years of catechetical ministry. This book will enrich the inner life of catechists.
Tim Welch:
If I were new to catechesis, I would want this book to read on my own, and then re-read with other catechists in my program. If I were a veteran catechist, I would gather a reading group to reflect on its deeper points, especially the stories, together. Each chapter’s questions, Scripture verses and YouTube music video suggestions adapt well to group study.
Finally, if I were in a ministry other than catechesis, I would still want this book. As Miller says, “We are all catechists, all the time.”
Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski:
The spiritual ease with which the reader is invited into a welcoming spiritual reflection on one’s calling as a catechist kindles our religious imagination. I found the chapters on prayer truly in tune with the challenges of contemporary culture. Miller’s book offers catechists a simple practical approach for theologically reflecting on their vocation as a catechist.
Ministry leaders across the country describe a bit of what is in the book.