This unit provides experience of the practice of contemplation in Christian spirituality which focusses on being receptive to the divine presence and then introduces contemplative presence foundational to the ministry of spiritual direction. Students will engage with theoretical perspectives and contemplative practices that support the development of attentive, discerning presence in spiritual conversations. Teaching, learning, and assessment strategies foster critical reflection and integration of embodied practice, supporting the formation of a spiritually grounded and professionally reflective approach to spiritual direction. Students will learn to respond with attentiveness and humility, fostering sacred space for spiritual insight and transformation.
Unit code: DD8411Z
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational
Unit discipline: Spiritual Direction
Proposing College: St Francis College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Articulate understanding of prayer and contemplation in the Christian tradition |
| 2. | Apply active listening skills in spiritual direction |
| 3. | Facilitate a hospitable, non-judgemental stance in practice |
| 4. | Develop practices of listening and responding to deepen awareness of the divine. |
Synchronous and asynchronous lectures and text-based tutorials
Richard Rohr. Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer. Crossroad Publishing Co, 2003.
Sarah Bachelard. A Contemplative Christianity for Our Time. Meditatio, 2020.
Cannato, Judy. Field of Compassion: How the New Cosmology is Transforming Spiritual Life. Sorin Books, 2010.
Kent Ira Groff. Honest to God Prayer: Spirituality as Awareness, Empowerment, Relinquishment and Paradox. Skylight Paths, 2013.
Margaret Guenther. The Practice of Prayer. Cowley, 1998.
Martin Laird. Into the Silent Land: Practice of Contemplation. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2006.
Diane M. Millis, Conversation, the Sacred Art of Practicing Presence in an Age of Distraction. Skylight Paths, 2013.
Andrew Rudd. The Quiet Path: Contemplative Practices for Daily Life. Canterbury Press, 2024
John Pritchard, How to Pray. SPCK, 2002.
Richard Rohr. Immortal Diamond: The Search for Our True Self. Jossey-Bass Publisher, 2013.
Joyce Rupp. Prayer. Orbis, 2007.
Magdalen Smith. Fragile Mystics: Reclaiming a Prayerful Life. SPCK, 2015.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book Review | 1500 | 25.0 | |
| Essay | 1500 | 25.0 | |
| Portfolio | 3000 | 50.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 27 Oct, 2025
Unit record last updated: 2025-10-27 10:02:38 +1100