The Spirit, Holy Spirit, or God's Spirit: God is all around, inside, and beyond us.  The Holy Spirit is the fullness of God always in caring, loving motion.   It enlightens our minds, touches our hearts, and connects with our souls.  The Holy Spirit is actually the fullness of God we connect with the most on our earthly pilgrimage.

 

Spirit:  Our spirit is the energy and active life-force of who we are in the present.  It is fueled by our understanding of life, purpose, and relationship with others and God.

 

Soul:  The soul is our non-material inner essence and contains our collective life history that makes us who we are.  It is constantly informed by our understanding of self, others and God.

 

Spiritual Life:  Our spiritual life is paying attention to the movements of God in our lives that inform our spirit and shape our soul.  It is being aware of how events, emotions, and relationships affect us.

 

Spiritual Health/ Care of the Soul:  Our spirit and soul often become wounded or hurt through life experiences and broken relationships.  Shining God's light of love into our lives promotes spiritual health and care for the soul.  Prayer, worship, scripture, journaling, listening, companionship, and group support all help promote spiritual health and care of the soul.  It is more about awareness and care rather than fixing.

 

Chaplain:  Someone trained to offer spiritual and emotional support to people connected with a facility, community, ministry, group, or organization.  They often respond and are present during difficult times.  Chaplains are skilled and compassionate listeners.  They are excellent at developing caring relationships.

 

Spiritual Companions/ Directors:  One who is trained to deeply listen for the movements of God in a person's life.  They journey with individuals by listening, praying, and reflecting.  They are not therapists or counselors.  They have no specific agenda except to help someone listen to how God may be leading.  Companions/ Directors often offer prayer ideas, scripture suggestions, or other spiritual awareness exercises.  By pointing out God's presence and presents, they assist others in developing their own unique relationship with God.

 

Spiritual Anchor/ Rule of Life:  Many people benefit from having a way to regularly connect their life to God.  It can be different things for different people.  Further, individuals should take into account their own personalities and natural ways to connect with God.  A spiritual anchor or rule of life is never a burden, but does take discipline to maintain.  Common anchors/ rules include: daily prayer, bible reading, journaling, nature walks, quiet times, etc.

 

Prayer:  Prayer is learning to love.  Prayer is opening to, connecting with, reflecting on, and conversing with God.  Prayer can be spoken or unspoken.  Prayer can be adoration/ blessing, contrition/ confession/ repentance, thanksgiving/ gratitude, petitions for others or self.  Prayer can be simply quieting one's mind and listening.

 

Meditation:  Using your mind and imagination to pray.  Intentionally picturing a connection with God.

 

 Affective Prayer:  Willfully opening your heart to God in prayer, or letting God move away the things between your heart and God.  Opening up and letting it happen.

 

Contemplation:  Awareness, resting, and being with God.

 

Lectio Divina:  It is deeper communion, relationship, and understanding of God's love through God's Word.  Using scripture or writings inspired by the Spirit for meditation, affective prayer, and contemplation.