About the Spiritual Exercises

The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola form a school for prayer in which we are drawn to the Word and transformed by contemplating the life and work of Christ. The dynamics of the Exercises move from the reality of unconditional love most powerfully expressed in the forgiveness of sin, to companionship with Christ in his life, passion, death, resurrection, and finally seeing the world through the eyes of the risen Christ and participating in His mission. The Spirit (Pneuma) works through intellect and imagination, emotion and the senses to engage us in Scripture and quicken within us a deeper awareness of the tremendous gift of Union with Christ. The Exercises give us tools and a method by which we learn to consciously pay attention to, discern, and respond to what God is doing in our lives, our communities and the world.

Ignatius originally offered the Spiritual Exercises as a 30 day retreat. While they are still available in this format, many people today choose to make the Exercises in everyday life over a longer period of time, praying daily and meeting regularly with a director. This way is known as the nineteenth annotation and can be done individually and in small groups. The actual Manual of the Spiritual Exercises was written by Ignatius of Loyola as a guide, not for those making the Exercises, but for the directors who accompany them in this rich and transformative experience of God’s grace.

While there are online retreats (see below) and books that invite persons to make the Spiritual Exercises, it is most advantageous to do so with a Spiritual Director who has knowledge of and experience with directing the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.

Aids for Daily Prayer

http://sacredspace.ie/

http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/