This time of year gyms are full of folks with a desire and determination to make exercise part of their daily routine. I have done that myself, and we won’t talk about how that has turned out… (sheepish smile).
A little over a year ago, I was introduced to a different type of exercise program: the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. My religious background would have once upon a time prompted me to turn my nose up at any practice that didn’t have a chapter and verse from the Holy Bible attached to it. But now, having started through the exercises for a second time, I am finding the hour or so spent in reading and reflecting on the passages and prompts suggested by this ancient saint actually beginning to make a noticeable impact on the everydayness of my life.
I won’t attempt to give you the details of the life of Ignatius. You can find a short biographical sketch of this man here. One of the things that appeals to me about Ignatius is that he was just an ordinary man at the time he began this journey, not a theologian nor even necessarily a “religious” man. Yet what he learned and noticed and wrote down has become an increasingly available practice that is life-giving to so many people through the years.
What are these “Spiritual Exercises?”
Maybe it’s best to start with explaining what they are not. The Exercises are not based on a book or “how to” guide for how to live the Christian life. They are not your typical Bible study. However, they truly are a “vehicle” that can carry you on a journey with God through the Bible to encounter Jesus and your self in transformational ways.
Why consider experiencing the Exercises?
You will find ways of prayer and approaches to scripture that lead you to more of a personal walk and conversation with Jesus, not just knowledge.
You will develop a greater sense of God’s presence in the everyday-ness of life.
You will be challenged and delighted with prayer practices that will possibly become tools that are part of your lifelong process of being formed into the image of Christ.
How would I determine if this is for me?
Do you have a longing to know God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit on a deeper level?
Do you have the time, space and commitment in your life to devote 45 minutes or more a day, seven days a week, for about 32 weeks, and to meet with a Spiritual Director regularly to process what you are finding?
Are you open and willing to be challenged with new ways of seeing yourself and God?
Do you sense an invitation from God to take the next step in your walk with Him?
I’d be happy to discuss this opportunity more with you. Contact me here.