It is good to remember that we are always in the context of prayer, whether the prayer is more meditative or more affective. We should always try to maintain a spirit of deep reverence before God, especially when our affections are involved. (SE 3) This is David L. Fleming, SJ’s, paraphrase of the third annotation from the Spiritual Exercises.

This Book Can Be Used

Ways of Making the Exercises

Such pray-ers shouldn’t try to make the Exercises without the help of an experienced guide.

Throughout the retreat, Ignatius suggests specific graces to pray for.

A theme runs through these notes: adaptability.

What were the significant interior movements (that is, feelings, reactions, intuitions, desires, emotions, thoughts, or insights)? What was the prevailing mood of my prayer: peace, agitation, excitement, boredom, confusion, calm? Was my prayer more about the head or the heart, or about both?

Thus, the purpose of the Exercises is very practical: to grow closer to God, who frees us to make good decisions about our lives and to “help souls.”

Fourth Week: