The Ignatian Exercises

The Ignatian Exercises were written in the 1500's by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus, aka/The Jesuits. They are a form of prayer, often called a retreat, that engages the use of scripture reading and prayer to encounter Jesus through the Gospels. They are offered in the 18th Annotation (10 weeks) or the 19th Annotation (32 weeks). Although it sounds like a Bible Study or devotional, it's really more of an experience, a movement towards The Trinity, a deepening of your understanding of God's love for you and what will come from that understanding.

Are the Ignatian Exercises the right next step for your faith journey?

In a way I wonder if you haven't already answered that question by being here on this page....you're curious and humble. Two qualities highly recommended for embarking on The Exercises. Here are a few other questions to consider:

• Are my spiritual practices feeling stale or have they become so routinized that I've become bored or disconnected?
• Even though I consider my relationship with Jesus a priority, do I have a sense I'm missing something deeper or more personal?
• Are you longing for something more in your relationship with God?
• Am I at a crossroads in my faith or life and seeking a discerning guide to process my desires with God?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, perhaps considering The Ignatian Exercises is for you. The Ignatian Package offerings are of varying commitments in time and finances. Continue reading to discern what's best for you in this season of your life. 

What's Expected:

• For both annotations, a daily time of prayer, scripture reading and contemplation for at least 40-60 minutes is expected. NOTE: If you do not currently have a daily rhythm of regular prayer, scripture reading and time with the Lord, consider beginning a practice now to determine if this is a schedule you'll keep for the full 10 or 32 weeks. 
• Meeting with a trained Ignatian spiritual director is also key in walking through The Exercises. The rhythm of those meetings is your choice. Experience shows a weekly meeting is most beneficial for guiding you as you navigate the different themes and movements of The Exercises. Options and costs are detailed on The Ignatian Packages page.
• Purchasing the Ignatian Exercises materials. Options detailed on The Ignatian Packages page.
• If selecting the Premium Plus package, attend 4 in-person small group retreats with others who are participating in The Exercises. Options and dates detailed on The Ignatian Packages page.

What's Not Expected:

• Continuation of any small group study or devotional; it's recommended that your time with the Lord each day would be focused solely on The Exercises. NOTE: Experiencing The Exercises with your existing small group deepens your relationship with each other and with God.