Go Forth and Set the World on Fire

“O my God, teach me to be generous
to serve you as you deserve to be served
to give without counting the cost
to fight without fear of being wounded
to work without seeking rest
and to spend myself without expecting any reward
but the knowledge that I am doing your holy will.
Amen”
― Ignatius of Loyola

Today the Church celebrates Ignatius if Loyola. The spiritual practices of Ignatius of Loyola have influenced many over the years. The Jesuits have contributed greatly to the world in their writing and in their service to the poor.

Often people ask, “How should I pray?” It’s not uncommon that people feel they do not know where to begin when it come to trying to engage God in prayer. One of the resources that I like to refer people to – is the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.

One of the Spiritual Exercises that Ignatius in particular that I think is helpful for all who walk the Way of Jesus, is the Examen. “The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us.  The Examen is an ancient practice in the Church that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience.”[1] Ignatius asked all Jesuits to practice the Examen twice daily – at noon and at days end. In brief the Examen calls us to:

1. Become aware of God’s presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.

I, personally, have found this to be a great exercise. Perhaps today you might give it a try. To learn more about this five step exercise click here

[1] http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen

As is always the case – I look forward to your thoughts and feedback. Click the stars above to vote and click leave a comment to offer your thoughts