The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola are a structured series of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices designed to deepen one's relationship with God and discern His will. They traditionally take place over 30 days in silence but can also be adapted into a retreat-in-daily-life (19th Annotation) for those who cannot step away from daily responsibilities.

Four Weeks of the Spiritual Exercises

The Exercises are divided into four "weeks," though they are not literal seven-day weeks but rather phases of spiritual growth.

Week 1: Encountering God's Love & Recognizing Sin

• Reflection on God’s unconditional love.

• Examination of sin and its consequences.

• Meditation on the mercy of God, leading to gratitude and conversion.

• Key Meditation: The Principle and Foundation – Understanding that we are created to love and serve God.

Week 2: Following Christ & Discerning God's Call

• Meditations on the life of Christ, from the Nativity to His public ministry.

• Invitation to follow Jesus more closely and align one's desires with His.

• Key Meditation: The Two Standards – Choosing between the way of Christ and the way of the world.

• Reflection on personal vocation and mission.

Week 3: The Passion of Christ

• Entering deeply into Christ’s suffering and death.

• Learning humility, patience, and the depth of God’s love through the Passion.

• Key Meditation: The Agony in the Garden and the Cross – Uniting our sufferings with Christ.

Week 4: The Resurrection & Living with Christ

• Meditations on Christ’s Resurrection and His presence in our daily life.

• Deepening joy and commitment to serving God.

• Key Meditation: The Contemplation to Attain Divine Love – Seeing God in all things and responding with love.

Key Practices in the Spiritual Exercises

1. Daily Examen – A prayerful reflection on the day, recognizing where God was present.

2. Lectio Divina – Meditating on Scripture to hear God's personal message.

3. Imaginative Prayer – Placing oneself in biblical scenes to encounter Christ.

4. Discernment of Spirits – Recognizing movements of consolation (drawing closer to God) and desolation (moving away from God).

How to Do the Exercises

• 30-Day Silent Retreat – A full experience, often guided at a Jesuit retreat house.

• 19th Annotation (Retreat in Daily Life) – Done over several months with weekly spiritual direction.

• Self-Guided with a Book or App – Using guides like The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien or online resources.

Would you like recommendations on a specific retreat or an online program?