We have been dreamt into existence by God and created to be the Beloved
In the opening of one’s prayer time St. Ignatius taught that we as enter into a time of prayer we begin with a petition for grace to have all parts of us to be directed towards what will bring praise and glory to God, for our service in Christ.
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.”
Or you write this in your own words
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He also shared how we are to ask for specific graces depending upon our circumstances or based upon the scriptures such as the theme of this mini retreat For example here: To grow in my heart knowing of having been created by God as His Beloved
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.
My desire is to
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ENCOUNTERING GOD
God is present and ongoing creatively active in the world and in our lives. God communicates indirectly to us through creation, Scriptures and our daily encounters with others, and in the sacraments. His presence can be felt by us through creation and heard through reading Scriptures, and His action can be seen in our encounters throughout our day.
HE ENCOUNTERED US AT THE BEGINNING
In the beginning, there is me, a cluster of cells being loved and formed into being
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CONTEMPLATION
THE MAKING OF ME (GEN 1:26)
Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the tame animals, all the wild animals, and all the creatures that crawl on the earth.
Reflection
What do you see, heart?
What was God like in His act of creating?
What is that experience like being right there?
THE BREATH OF GOD (GEN 2:7)
Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
Reflection
Be there now with God the Father creating informing you and breathing into you your very life.
How does God's breath feel like?
How do you feel?
I AM THE IMAGE (GEN 1: 27)
God created mankind in His image; in the image of God he created them;male and female He created them.
Reflection
What image comes in to you now as being the beloved and being made in His image?
What is your experience now of being yourself as the image of God?
GOD BLESSED THEM (Gen 1: 28-31a)
God blessed them and God said to them:
Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth.
God also said:
See, I give you every seed-bearing plant on all the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food; and to all the wild animals, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the earth, I give all the green plants for food.
And so it happened. God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.
Reflection
Imagine God speaking to you. " I GIVE ALL THIS TO YOU" ?
What comes up for you when you hear God's whisper ring to you these words?
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MEDITATION
David’s Response to God’s Creation (Ps 8)
O Lord, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!
I will sing of your majesty above the heavens 3 with the mouths of babes and infants.[c]
4 When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place— 5 What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him? 6 Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor. 7 You have given him rule over the works of your hands, put all things at his feet: 8 All sheep and oxen, even the beasts of the field, 9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
10 O Lord, our Lord, how awesome is your name through all the earth!
Reflection
What words of David speaks for you?
What thoughts images memories feelings emotions spring forth from within you?
Where have you seen God's continuing creativity in yourself? In others? In creation?
Final Reflection
All is gift. We are a gift from God created with a soul/body beautiful, with aptitudes, talents, limitations; born at a certain time in history, given to our parents.
What beliefs have you had about yourself that changed?
What perceptions did you have about God that changed?
Retreat's Final Prayer
Close this prayer period with your own words.
What graces have you received from God from praying with these passages?
What would you like to share with God about your experience?
With others about your experience of receiving His gifts?