Ignatian Contemplation

PREPARATION

Read the passage several times and choose a character to enter into the story.

1. PRESENCE OF GOD

• Place yourself in God’s presence
• Centering/Quieting
• Imagine the composition of place/scene
• Ask for the Grace desired

2. MEDITATION

• Use the points and let the passage stir your imagination. Put yourself into the story: see the people, hear the dialogue and engage in the actions (what do you see, hear, touch, smell?). Let the story come alive as if you are there, experiencing what is happening. Stay with a point until you are satisfied and ready to move to the next point.
• Notice what resonates or moves your heart, that is, any feelings, effects, memories, desire emerging as you contemplate. If something draws your attention or touches you at a deeper level, remain there and let the insight permeate your experience.

3. COLLOQUY/CONVERSATION

• Enter into an intimate conversation with the Lord. End the prayer period with an Our Father, Glory Be, etc.

(adapted from Chi Ngo, SJ)

THE REVIEW OF PRAYER

I take a standing break after my prayer experience. I take about 5-10 minutes to review my prayer experience; I then journal using the suggested questions below, letting 2-3 of them guide my review:

• What did I experience during prayer?
• What feelings surfaced? Were they positive or negative?
• What did God’s Spirit reveal to me? Any insights or clarity?
• How were God and I present or absent to each other? Did I feel close or withdrawn from God?
• Is there some point to which I am invited to return in the next prayer?
• Was the environment or my posture helpful to prayer? What changes can I make that would be more conducive to prayer?

I thank God for graces received and ask pardon for any carelessness on my part.