Knowing God through Spiritual Practices and Spiritual Direction

Abstract

This project sought to determine if using traditional spiritual practices—lectio divina, silence, Centering Prayer, journaling with word and image, along with spiritual direction sessions—would create theosis, a deeper union with God, and keep people from leaving church. It used action and qualitative method research through pre- and post-project questionnaires, observation during a one-day retreat, and reflections from spiritual direction sessions. The data suggested a more in-depth explanation of theosis, and ongoing experience with the spiritual practices, was needed to help participants experience a deeper union with God.