Finding God in
All Things
Ignatian spirituality, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century, is a practical, reflective approach to the spiritual life. It helps you notice God's presence in everyday moments, make good decisions, and grow in freedom to follow Christ more closely.
The Ignatian Way
St. Ignatius was a soldier who, while recovering from a battle wound, discovered that God speaks through our desires, thoughts, and feelings. He developed practices that help us pay attention to God's movement in our lives.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
"For the Greater Glory of God." The Ignatian motto that orients everything toward God's glory, not our own success or comfort.
Finding God in All Things
God is present in every moment, every person, every situation. Ignatian spirituality trains us to notice this presence in ordinary life, not just in church.
Discernment of Spirits
Learning to recognize the movements of consolation (drawing us toward God) and desolation (pulling us away), so we can choose wisely.
Contemplatives in Action
Ignatian spirituality doesn't separate prayer from work. We bring prayer into action and find God through engagement with the world.
Ignatian Practices
These are the core practices of Ignatian spirituality. Each chapter offers teaching, practical guidance, and exercises you can begin using immediately.
The Daily Examen
The Examen is a simple, powerful prayer of reflection that St. Ignatius considered the most important practice for his followers. In just 10-15 minutes, you review your day with God, noticing where He was present and where you responded well or poorly.
This practice develops awareness of God's constant presence and helps you grow in self-knowledge. Over time, you begin to notice patterns - what brings you closer to God and what draws you away.
- The Five Steps of the Examen
- Gratitude as Foundation
- Noticing Consolation and Desolation
- Making the Examen a Daily Habit
- Variations for Different Seasons
Discernment of Spirits
How do you know if a desire comes from God, from yourself, or from the enemy? St. Ignatius developed rules for discernment that help us recognize the spiritual forces at work in our interior life.
Consolation draws us toward faith, hope, and love. Desolation tempts us toward anxiety, restlessness, and turning away from God. Learning to recognize these movements is essential for making good decisions.
- What is Discernment?
- Consolation: Signs and Responses
- Desolation: Signs and Responses
- Rules for Times of Desolation
- Discernment and Major Decisions
Imaginative Prayer
Ignatian contemplation uses the imagination to enter into Scripture. Rather than just reading about Jesus healing someone, you imagine yourself there - what you see, hear, smell, and feel. You encounter Christ personally.
This method of prayer engages the whole person - mind, heart, senses, and emotions. It's particularly helpful for those who find purely intellectual approaches to prayer dry or distant.
- Praying with the Imagination
- Composition of Place
- Entering Gospel Scenes
- Colloquy: Conversation with Christ
- Keeping a Prayer Journal
The Spiritual Exercises
The Spiritual Exercises are a 30-day retreat (or adapted 19th Annotation retreat spread over months) that St. Ignatius designed to bring about deep conversion. Guided by a spiritual director, you meditate on Christ's life and discern your calling.
While the full Exercises are an intensive retreat experience, their themes and meditations can enrich daily prayer life. This chapter introduces the structure and key meditations.
- Overview of the Four Weeks
- The Principle and Foundation
- The Call of the King
- The Two Standards
- Finding a Spiritual Director
About St. Ignatius of Loyola
The soldier who became a saint
Born in Basque Country
Ignatius was born into a noble family in northern Spain. He pursued a career as a courtier and soldier, driven by ambition for glory and honor.
Wounded at Pamplona
A cannonball shattered his leg in battle. During his long recovery, he read the only books available - lives of the saints and a life of Christ. He noticed different feelings arose from different thoughts.
Conversion at Manresa
After a pilgrimage to Montserrat, Ignatius spent nearly a year in prayer and penance at Manresa. There he received profound mystical graces and began writing the Spiritual Exercises.
Founded the Society of Jesus
With six companions, Ignatius founded the Jesuits, a religious order dedicated to education, missionary work, and "helping souls." The order quickly spread throughout the world.
Died in Rome
Ignatius died quietly in Rome, leaving behind a worldwide order and a spiritual legacy that continues to transform lives. He was canonized in 1622.
A Living Tradition
Ignatian spirituality is practiced by Jesuits, other religious, and millions of lay people worldwide. Retreat houses, schools, and parishes offer the Exercises and Ignatian formation.
"Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. All is yours; dispose of it wholly according to your will. Give me your love and your grace, for this is enough for me."
— The Suscipe, St. Ignatius of Loyola
Is Ignatian Spirituality for You?
Ignatian spirituality tends to resonate with people who...
Value Practical Faith
You want spirituality that connects to daily life and helps you make real decisions, not abstract theories.
Think Reflectively
You're naturally inclined to examine your experiences, notice patterns, and learn from reflection.
Seek Freedom
You want to grow in interior freedom - freedom from disordered attachments that keep you from following God fully.
Want to Serve
You're drawn to active engagement with the world, wanting your prayer to flow into meaningful service.
Begin the Journey
The best way to start with Ignatian spirituality is the Daily Examen. This simple evening prayer takes just 10-15 minutes and introduces you to the Ignatian way of noticing God in your life.