Ignatian Spirituality: 

The World is Charged with the Grandeur of God


Introduction:

Narrated by Dr. Thomas Kessinger, Associate Professor, Education. (The Introduction can also be read here.)

Information:

Ignatian Spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises
Debra Mooney, Ph.D.

God's Grandeur
Poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J., optional


Activity:

A Daily Invitation
Ignatian spirituality is best understood through experience. Thus, you are invited to take time out from each of your very busy days, for seven days in a row, to engage in a few minutes of Ignatian prayer and reflection. Choose one of the following three options:

The Examen: A Daily Prayer
Worldly Reflection: Creating Privileged Moments
Scriptural Reflection: Finding God in All Things 


A Reflective Review of the Past Year: An Ignatian Annual Examen

St. Ignatius Loyola's Examen is an opportunity for peaceful daily reflective prayer. It invites us to find the movement of God in our life. The following is a reflective review of the past year. Before you begin, identify some major markers of your year within your professional life (e.g. Convocation, Commencement, Finals Week) or personal life (e.g. reunions, summer vacation, birthdays) to orient yourself to the time period.

Begin with a pause and a slow, deep breath or two; become aware that you are in the presence of the Holy.

As I review the past 12 months, from a year ago through to the present moment-
What am I especially grateful for this year?

An event that took place? 
Courage that I mustered?
Love and support I received?

I ask for the light to know God and to know myself as God sees me.

Where have I felt true joy this year?
What troubled me this year?
What has challenged me?
Where and when did I find an opportunity for renewal and pause?
Have I noticed any of God's presence in any of this?

In light of my review, what is my response to the God of my life?

As I look ahead to the coming months, what comes to mind?
With what spirit do I want to enter the next few months? The next year?

I ask for God's presence and grace, for this spirit, as I enter the next year.

Amen

Adapted by Debra Mooney, Ph.D. from the XU Center for Mission and Identity?s Daily Examen

Reflection Questions:

  • What insights did I gain about myself personally and/or professionally through the process of Ignatian reflection?
  • Where in my current daily life is it easy to "find and feel close to God"? Where is it more difficult?
  • When do I consider my day "successful"?
  • How might the practice of Ignatian spirituality influence my daily life?
  • What moment, or two, in my life have I truly been awestruck?


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