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“Contemplative prayer seeks him “whom my soul loves." It is Jesus, and in him, the Father. We seek him, because to desire him is always the beginning of love, and we seek him in that pure faith which causes us to be born of him and to live in him. In this inner prayer we can still meditate, but our attention is fixed on the Lord himself.”

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2709)

Description

Attributed to Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) and articulated in his "Spiritual Exercises," the Ignatian method of praying with Scripture invites us to enter actively and fully into the mystery presented in the text using our imagination. Ignatian prayer works best with Gospel stories. Ignatius commended the use of the five senses in such meditation, applying your senses of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling to draw you into the scene of the story and then carry it forth just as you were there. The aim is to draw near and encounter God and to enter the mystery being prayed.

Mindfully prepare the environment and yourself: Know your time and place for prayer; a candle helps to center oneself. Know what Scripture passage you’ll be using ahead of time. Ask God to guide you and give you grace, recalling God's immense love for you.

Read the passage once or twice slowly and prayerfully; imagine the scene and become a part of the story.

Apply your senses. Watch, listen, taste, smell, and feel what is happening around you.

Pray imaginatively with the story. Interact with the other others, especially Jesus, Mary, or whoever the central character may be.

Draw near to the greatest interaction and being with God. Pause and remain where you feel consolation (thoughts, feelings, and desires that lead you towards God and an increase of faith, hope, and love). Experience that God is giving Himself to you, loving you, touching you, or filling you then simply stay there quietly and receive. Be aware to areas of desolation, (thoughts, feelings, and desires leading away from God). Bring desolations to God humbly and honestly with trust.

Respond spontaneously in a conversation with God the Father, with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and/or Mary. It may be helpful to conclude each conversation with learned prayers such as the Lord's Prayer, Anima Christi, the Gloria, and the Hail Mary.

Review of Prayer. Spend some time in reviewing your prayer. What did you observe, notice in your mind, feelings, sentiments, emotions, desires. Write these down and try and discover what they are saying to you.