Companions are people who naturally connect with the Holy One through their relationships with others. They believe that God is present in everyone and look for the spark of that presence when they are with others. They look to others to help them make sense of their own faith, and trust that God will speak to them and lead them through the words, actions, and holiness of other godly people. They relate best with God through shared interaction. They tend to spend more time praying and worshipping with others than by themselves. If they were to meet God face to face, they would want to have those they love with them.

In the Bible, Ruth was a good example of a companion. After her father-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband died she became a companion to Naomi, her mother-in-law, even though it meant leaving behind all that, for her, was familiar and expected. Through Naomi’s personal faith and the faith of Naomi’s people, Ruth felt the touch of the Holy One and discovered a new way of living and being. She allowed her new faith community to be the primary source of her spiritual transformation.

If you are a companion, you will be drawn to spiritual practices that involve others — their presence, their thoughts, their wisdom. By praying the hours, you will automatically be connected to countless numbers who pray the Daily Office at select intervals throughout the day. Explorefaith.org offers The Divine Hours online, customizable to your time zone, so that you can join others in these corporate prayers

Another way to connect to others on explorefaith.org is by adding a name to our prayer list and praying for those who are listed. Companions may have more difficulty praying and learning in solitude, or taking spiritual steps independent of the encouragement and direction of others. Though the prayer list does not offer physical contact, it nonetheless connects you to people around the world who are seeking support in their prayers. Faith and Life: Stories from the Home, Street, and Work Place might be of interest as well for the personal inspiration and insights it offers from different people following in God’s footsteps.

To strengthen the part of your spirit that naturally shies away from solitude, try exploring the many Oasis meditation practices using art, music, poetry, the spoken word, reading and journaling. These offerings will give you step-by-step guidance on how to practice meditation using various inspiration. Collections for Seeing Beyond: A Collage of Suggestions for Deep Reflection and Being Real: essays and meditations on Benedictine Spirituality also provide guided practices for deepening your spiritual life through meditation and self-reflection.

Curious about the other types? Find out about:

thinkers | believers | mavericks | lovers | seekers

(Return to Top)