Books on spiritual direction

Rosie Perera

The ones I've marked with a * are ones I either own or know the author of and would highly recommend.

* Spiritual Friendship by Aelred of Rievaulx
* Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction by Susan S. Phillips
* Fan the Flame: Meditations for Spiritual Direction by Rob Des Cotes
* Higher Than I: Meditations for Spiritual Direction by Rob Des Cotes
* Ultreia: Meditations for Spiritual Direction by Rob Des Cotes
* Soul Friend: An Invitation to Spiritual Direction by Kenneth Leech
* The Way of Spiritual Direction (Consecrated Life Studies, V. 5) by Francis Kelly Nemeck & Marie Theresa Coombs
* Holy Listening: The Art of Spiritual Direction by Margaret Guenther
* Spiritual Friend: Reclaiming the Gift of Spiritual Direction by Tilden Edwards
* The Art of Christian Listening by Thomas N. Hart
* Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship & Direction by David G. Benner
* The Practice of Spiritual Direction by William A. Barry & William J. Connolly
* Care of Mind/Care of Spirit: A Psychiatrist Explores Spiritual Direction by Gerald May
* Handbook for Spiritual Directors by Julie Douglas
* The Discerning Heart: Discovering a Personal God by Maureen Conroy, R.S.M. - on the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises
* Soul Friendship: Celtic Insights Into Spiritual Mentoring by Ray Simpson
* Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn & Matthew Linn - a lovely way of teaching people the examen
* Spiritual Direction: A Guide to Giving and Receiving Direction by Gordon T. Smith
Spiritual Direction and the Care of Souls: A Guide to Christian Approaches and Practices edited by Gary W. Moon & David G. Benner
Spiritual Direction & Meditation by Thomas Merton
Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking & Giving Direction by Keith R. Anderson & Randy D. Reese (
Still Listening: New Horizons in Spiritual Direction edited by Norvene Vest
Spiritual Direction: Beyond the Beginnings by Janet K. Ruffing
Trustworthy Connections: Interpersonal Issues in Spiritual Direction by Anne Winchell Silver
Seeking God Together: An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction by Alice Fryling
Group Spiritual Direction: Community for Discernment by Rose Mary Dougherty
Looking Into the Well: Supervision of Spiritual Directors by Maureen Conroy R.S.M.
Supervision of Spiritual Directors: Engaging in Holy Mystery edited by Mary Rose Bumpus & Rebecca Bradburn Langer
Spiritual Director, Spiritual Companion: Guide to Tending the Soul by Tilden Edwards
Holy Invitations: Exploring Spiritual Direction by Jeannette Bakke
Texts and Tips for Spiritual Directors and for Personal Prayer by Anne Alcock
Handbook for Spiritual Directees: A Book of Spiritual Exercises by Philip St. Romain
Seeking Spiritual Direction: How to Grow the Divine Life Within by Thomas Dubay S.M.
Navigating the Interior Life: Spiritual Direction and the Journey to God by Daniel Burke
Spiritual Direction and the Encounter with God: A Theological Inquiry by William A. Barry, SJ
Five Models of Spiritual Direction in the Early Church by George E. Demacopoulos
Padre Pio's Spiritual Direction for Every Day by Gianluigi Pasquale
The Enneagram and Spiritual Direction: Nine Paths to Spiritual Guidance by James Empereur
Women at the Well: Feminist Perspectives on Spiritual Direction by Kathleen Fischer