Henri Nouwen, in his characteristic simplicity, narrowed his definition of spiritual direction to “direction given to people in their relationship with God” (“Spiritual Direction,” Worship, p. 55). He wisely focused on the basic dynamics of spiritual direction: prayer and discernment. As he elaborated further, a spiritual director is “a mature fellow Christian . . . from whom we can expect prayerful guidance in our constant struggle to discern God’s active presence in our lives” (Worship, p. 402).