Spiritual Conversation
Spiritual Conversation describes the reflective dialogue between Christians who value the work of the Holy Spirit. In a world often characterised by debate, how might we best speak and listen to one another in a more “synodal” way? Manresa’s Aileen Murphy RLR and Piaras Jackson SJ will present this Zoom session.
Spiritual Conversation
Videos
- John Dardis SJ presents The Spiritual Conversation
- Fr Prabu Francis SJ offers an Indian perspective
- Another perspective: Fostering Genuine Conversation TED Talk
Web Sites
- Australian Jesuits offer resources on the Art of Spiritual Conversation, Sacred Listening
- Respectful communication tips in multicultural contexts from the Kaleidoscope Institute
- How a Melbourne parish avails of spiritual conversation
- Starting Spiritual Conversations
Scripture texts
Colossians 4:2–6 provides guidelines as to how we might prepare our hearts for spiritual conversations. In Philippians 2:1–5 Paul encourages certain attitudes which will unify the faith community, while in Philippians 4:6–7 he encourages whole-hearted trusting God. Isaiah 55:3 and Isaiah 55:10–11 hold God’s intentions for our listening while Isaiah 30:21 and Jeremiah 33:3 show how deep listening points to recognising the path ahead, the clear way to proceed. Luke 8:15 Jesus models multiple ways of engaging with individuals and groups, as he meets people just where they are - the woman from Samaria (John 4 ) or the the woman accused of adultery (John 8) are examples.