Encountering the unconditional, creative, active, inviting love of God.
In the opening of one’s prayer time St. Ignatius taught that we as enter into a prayer period we begin with a prayer request for grace to have all our intentions and desires directed towards what will bring praise and glory to God, for our service in Christ.
TWO GRACES
The Preparatory Prayer St. Ignatius recommends each time to ask for this grace. The Preparatory Prayer he recommended each time is: “I ask God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and ways may be directed purely to the praise and service of God.” You can write your own version from this example.
He also recommended we are to ask for specific graces depending upon our circumstances or based upon the scriptures such as the theme of this mini retreat – God is Love loving. For example to experience the reality of God’s ongoing, active, unconditional love for me.
Write your own based upon what you desire – what do you truly desire - what do you want or need from God about how God is Love loving you now and at every moment, always without fail.
For example: My desire is for God’s graces to flow into my soul for me to know beyond doubt how God’s Spirit lives within me; to experience of how I am love now and at every moment of my life ; and to trust in God’s personal care and love for me.
Write your own based upon what you desire – what do you truly desire - what do you want or need from God about how God is Love loving you.
My desire is: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
St. Ignatius recommends even if we do not have a desire or afraid to ask we then ask for help to find and speak our desires.
RETREAT
God’s gift to me is God's own very Self, all of creation that includes myself.
He created me ( and everyone) out of love and desires nothing more than a return of love. He continues to desire my love and friendship even when I move away from Him. God accepts me completely with the strengths He has given me, and in all my imperfections and failings.
Letting God love us can bring areas of darkness to the surface… such is God way of healing those hurts. Nothing can keep God from embracing and loving you.
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MEDITATION A meditation prayer method is what we find ourselves entering into using our intellect and reason with a respond from our heart. We read to understand what is written, we then reflect upon what resonated within us, that is God’s directly touching us personally. In our response to the insights received from the Holy Spirit, we share what has been illumined by His grace on where we are being lead to take action in Christ.
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MEDITATIONS
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH THE PROPHETS
Take notice of your responses, thoughts, feelings, desires as you are reading God's words to you.
I KNEW YOU (Jer 1:5a & 31:3b-4a)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you…With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you.Again I will build you, and you shall stay built...
I CALLED YOU BY NAME (Selections from Isa 43:1-7)
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, and formed you,
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you. For I, the Lord, am your God,your savior. Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you, Fear not, for I am with you; All who are called by my name I created for my glory; I formed them, made them.
I AM WITH YOU (Isa 41:10)
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Reflection
Take notice of your thoughts, feelings, desires, images, insights while praying
Select a section, a word or phrase that stands out for you.
What came up for you during this prayer time.
Select one of these passages above to re-read, as if God is speaking directly to you.
What image do you have of God as He speaks to you?