Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

What are the Spiritual Exercises?

The Spiritual Exercises are a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius Loyola to help people deepen their relationship with God.

How do you take part in the Spiritual Exercises?

For centuries the Exercises were most commonly given as a “long retreat” of about 30 days in solitude and silence. In recent years, there has been a renewed emphasis on the Spiritual Exercises as a program for laypeople. The most common way of going through the Exercises now is a “retreat in daily life,” also referred to as the 19th Annotation, which typically involves a 9–10 month long program of daily prayer and periodic meetings with a spiritual director.

Why would you participate in the Spiritual Exercises?

The gift of the Spiritual Exercises is a deepened self-awareness and an increasing capacity to reflect upon everyday work and life experiences, and so to grow in appreciation for, and conscious exercise of, your personal gifts of body, mind, and spirit. To seek and to find a deeper relationship with God, who wants to set you free and to join in Christ’s mission in the world. There is a growing capacity to be with self and with Christ in the midst of everyday life.

What would engaging in the Spiritual Exercises look like?

The Exercises have been adapted in many ways to meet the needs of modern people. There are many resources and different methods of engagement. If you are curious or interested, please contact me and we can discuss what might suit your desires, needs, and life.