Discernment of Spiritual Exercises (SE) of St. Ignatius

What are the Benefits of Making the SE? 

• Transformational
• Gain a rhythm to prayer, especially the examen, which is essential to discernment. 
• Various prayer practices, including contemplation, lectio divina. 
• I often say I got to know Jesus and understood with great relief and humility who God is and who I am in relation to all human beings, past, present and future. As God said to St. Catherine of Siena, and I paraphrase, "I am He Who IS, you are she who is not."

Are the Spiritual Exercises SE difficult? 

St. Ignatius wrote in the Rules that directors are to adapt the SE to the individual. Life happens while you are making the SE. But that can be an opportunity. When I lead someone through the SE, it is their current life circumstances that provide the opportunity for them to live the SE. 

How long do the SE last? Cost? 

Making the SE is a big commitment of your time and treasure. The 19th Annotation of the SE takes 8-9 months.  Plan on $100 and up for 8-9 months of weekly / biweekly meetings.  Two of the great benefits of having a spiritual director walk with you is accountability and encouragement. 

Is there a shorter version?

Ignatius advises the guide to fit the circumstances of the individual.  People often choose to do the 18th annotation (8 weeks) or shorter. Sometimes people do the exercises together with periodic group meetings. 

Can I do the SE alone? 

Yes, but...doing the SE without a director is difficult yet has the possibility of being a nice prayer experience (people have often told me they didn't get very far on their own). Best to establish a relationship with a director before embarking on the SE.  

When is the best time to make the SE? 

The best time is when you have felt drawn for at least a few months to make the SE. Spring or summer is a great time to start discerning God's call and start meeting with your spiritual director.  However, I have guided several through the SE, and life seems to supply just what they need to lean into the SE.

What should I look for in a director for the SE?

• Has made the SE with a spiritual director
• Takes ongoing training in giving the SE
• Makes an extended-day silent retreat yearly
• Has experiences of contemplative, meditative, discursive prayer, journaling, and dedicated to praying the examen as well as explaining these different modes of prayer
• Regularly sees her / his own spiritual director and supervisor and / or peer supervision group.
• Has the ability to adjust the SE to you personally
• Passionate about the SE