Discernment of Spiritual Exercises (SE) of St. Ignatius
What are the Benefits of Making the SE?
- Transform your relationship with God and others.
- Gain a rhythm to prayer, especially the examen, which is essential to discernment.
- Various prayer practices, including contemplation and lectio divina.
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 Mary leads someone through the SE, she finds that their current life circumstances provide the opportunity for them to live the SE.
How long do the SE last? Cost?
The 19th Annotation of the SE takes 8-9 months. Cost ranges from $100 and up for 8-9 months of weekly / biweekly meetings. Making the SE is a significant commitment of your time and treasure. Set aside 30 minutes to one hour for daily readings, journaling, and prayer. You will meet weekly with your spiritual director, either on Zoom or in-person. Your director guides you in the weekly readings and prayers assignments. Two of the great benefits of having a spiritual director walk with you are 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. Mary offers a discernment guide for those considering the SE.
When is the best time of year to make the SE?
Spring or summer is a great time to start discerning God's call and start meeting with your spiritual director. You might wish to follow the liturgical season with an August start date. However, Mary has guided several through the SE, beginning at various times of the year. Daily life seems to supply just what they need for that week's theme.
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 (age, gender, cultural)
- Passionate about the SE