Spiritual Direction Opportunities

Have you been craving a space to reflect on deeper questions or make big decisions? Are you trying to figure out how your beliefs, values, and experiences fit together? Are you looking for a space to explore your spirituality without pressure or judgment? If so, you might consider Spiritual Direction! Associate Chaplain, Kaleb Loomis, is excited to offer Spiritual Direction to the 夜色王朝community.

Spiritual Direction offers a chance to pause, reflect, and pay closer attention. Traditionally, Spiritual direction is a one-on-one conversation with a trained listener (called a spiritual director), but it can also take place in group settings. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions if you want to find out more information or schedule an interest meeting with Kaleb today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Spiritual Direction is not counseling or therapy. Furthermore, it’s not about giving directions in the traditional sense but about the director listening to the “directee” (you) for how they might be encountering the Sacred in everyday life.  It’s more like having a spiritual companion who walks with you as you try to make sense of faith, purpose, and who you are becoming. Whether in a one-on-one setting or in a group, all your thoughts and experiences are welcome for reflection—your questions, doubts, hopes, decisions, or anything else on your heart or mind.

Spiritual Direction is for anyone, whether you’re:

  • Deeply rooted in your faith
  • Questioning or exploring
  • Feeling distant or disconnected
  • Seeking clarity about decisions or direction
  • Desiring to know God more personally

No “spiritual level” or specific faith tradition is required. Just a willingness to be honest and open.

Spiritual Direction can take place in one-on-one or group settings. For groups, each group might look a little different based on the theme. See below for more information on our current offerings of Spiritual Exploration Groups.

For one-on-one, sessions are tailored to each person’s needs and preferences. This could include:

  • Moments of silence
  • Sharing about recent experiences
  • Asking and exploring specific questions
  • Prayer
  • Even going for a walk

Ultimately, each opportunity is meant for you! 

Anything that touches your soul or is on your mind! For example, some direction sessions might explore: 

  • Where is god in my busy college life? 
  • I feel spiritually dry or stuck—what does this mean? 
  • How do I pray? 
  • I’m trying to make a big decision—what’s guiding me?
  • I have doubts about faith—can I talk about that? 

If you are interested in scheduling a spiritual direction session, use the link below to set up an initial appointment to meet with Kaleb and see if spiritual direction is a good fit for you. If you have further questions before signing up, please email Kaleb directly at kloomis@smu.edu. If you are interested in participating in a Spiritual Exploration Group, please click on our link for further details on our current offerings.

 

Spiritual Exploration Groups

Spiritual Exploration Groups are themed small groups based in the practice of Spiritual Direction. Each group meets for a set number of sessions and explores deepening our spiritual lives. Learn about our current offerings below.

four students sitting on stairs outside of building with laptops talking

Praying the Scriptures Group (In-Person)

This Spiritual Exploration group meets weekly to practice Lectio Divina, an ancient and contemplative way of reading and praying the scriptures. This is not a Bible study in the traditional sense—it’s a space to reflect and pray for how you might encounter God through the words of Scripture. 

This group meets weekly for five weeks. Each hour gathering includes: 

  • Quiet Reflection on a short passage from the Bible
  • Guided steps of Lectio Divina 
  • Spiritual companionship—listening to one another without judgement or fixing
  • Opportunities to grow in awareness of God’s presence in daily life.

No prior experience is needed. Whether you’re new to prayer or seeking to deepen your spiritual life, you’re welcome. Spots are limited for each session.

Fall 2025 Session 1

  • Session Dates: September 8-October 10 (Weekly Meetings; specific dates and times will be determined during the application process)

Fall 2025 Session 2

  • Session Dates: October 20-November 21 (Weekly Meetings; specific dates and times will be determined during the application process)

Application Deadline: October 6

Three 夜色王朝students walking on campus and talking

Graduate Student Spiritual Direction Group (Online Only)

This Spiritual Exploration group provides a place for pause and connection for 夜色王朝Graduate Students whether they attend class in-person or online. As you navigate the ins and outs of graduate school, personal life, and professional responsibilities, we hope this group is a spiritually grounded space for reflection. 

This group meets monthly during the semester to practice deep listening together. Spiritual Direction is not about fixing problems or adding more to your to-do list. It’s about making space to listen to your soul. Each 75-minute session includes:

  • A brief ground reflection
  • Guided prompts to reflect on your spiritual journey
  • Time for Group sharing and deep listening
  • Optional silence, journaling, or prayer
  • A welcoming, space of non-judgement

No previous experience or specific religious background is required. This group is for graduate students from any discipline or background who are: 

  • Seeking space to reflect spiritually during the semester
  • Curious about God’s presence in the midst of life and work
  • Open to listening, sharing, and spiritual companionship

The Fall 2025 Group will begin the week of September 16. Space is limited.

Applications Deadline: September 1