The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola
The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life is a retreat that takes place over an eight to nine-month period, beginning in September and concluding in May. Since it is a retreat in daily life, participants will commit to daily prayer of approximately one hour, keeping a journal and a weekly meeting with an Ignatian prayer guide to review your prayer experiences, learn about different prayer methods and exercises, and receive direction for the following week.
The Spiritual Exercises themselves are a series of prayer exercises structured to dispose the one making the Exercises to greater openness to the graces of God. St. Ignatius created the Spiritual Exercises from his own experience noting what was most beneficial to grow in devotion to Christ and Christ’s mission. He refined them over time and the actual book of the Spiritual Exercises is a guide for those who give the Exercises to others. For this reason it is best to be accompanied on this journey.
ACCOMPANIMENT
At the Ignatian Spirituality Center persons making the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life will be accompanied personally by an Ignatian prayer guide. Our prayer guides are those who have made the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life and who have trained to give the Spiritual Exercises, adapt them to individuals, and provide a contemplative ear.
WHO SHOULD MAKE THE EXERCISES?
People of diverse backgrounds within various Christian traditions make the Spiritual Exercises. The Exercises especially benefit:
Women and men who desire a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Christ
Lay persons, religious, Christians from all denominations
Anyone who has important decisions to make about their lives
All who desire deeper meaning and purpose in their Christian lives and want to make a difference in the world
Everyone who desires integration of their relationship with God to recognize His presence in all things
Men and women who are in transition and are seeking to discern next steps
“Systems of the world are in chaos. I’m filled with hope and joy knowing Jesus is committed to creation, integration and peace. From experiencing Jesus in the Spiritual Exercises, I know He’s with me as I study and work to bring peace and order through ecology and botany.” —DANIELLA, May 2018
“Experiencing Jesus in the Spiritual Exercises transformed my focus from thinking and worrying about the future to living in the present. Now I'm more open to how God is with me as I gently attend the elderly.” —JAY, June 2018
“Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises awakened my heart to the feminine flowing from the core of Christ: pouring out... pouring out: feeding, healing, attending; symbolizing all at the core of mothering. This connection with Jesus brings me great joy as I love my family and others in my life.” —TRACY, June 2018
COST
$750
$400, Young Adults (20’s & 30’s)
Due to the generosity of our supporters, ISC is able to offer the Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life at an already reduced price. Scholarships are always available. If you feel called to this retreat and your application is accepted, we want you to make this retreat regardless of the amount you can pay towards the retreat.
WHEN DOES IT START?
The Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life begin in mid-September and run to about mid-May.
APPLICATIONS will be available in April 2024 for the 2024 - 2025 Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life