Spiritual Exercises
One of the most transformative courses in spiritual formation is St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises. Originally designed as an intensive 30-day retreat, Ignatius recogniSed that not everyone could step away from daily life for a full month of prayer and reflection. In his 19th Annotation, he offers a way to experience the Exercises as a “retreat in everyday life”—a way to integrate deep spiritual reflection into the rhythm of ordinary life.
The Exercises are suitable for anyone seeking a deeper personal encounter with God—whether you’re navigating a life transition, discerning a major decision, or simply longing to grow spiritually. They are particularly helpful when considering changes such as exploring a call to ministry, discerning a relationship, or asking the question: “What’s next for me?” But you don’t need a specific question to benefit from this journey.
What to Expect
Making the Spiritual Exercises in the 19th Annotation is a journey, not a checklist.
The Exercises move in natural “weeks” or phases, guiding you through reflection on God’s love, awareness of your patterns and attachments, contemplation of Christ’s life, and finally, walking with the risen Lord in joy and service.
Some days may feel deep and transformative; others may feel dry or ordinary. Both are part of the journey.
The Exercises invite you to notice your inner movements—thoughts, feelings, desires, resistances—and to bring them into conversation with God. The focus is always on encountering God, not on completing a task.
How It Works
The retreat in everyday life is both daily and weekly:
Daily: 40–60 minutes of prayer, reflection, and journaling.
Weekly: Up to a 45 minute meeting with a spiritual director to notice and respond to God’s movement in your life.
Life inevitably happens. Some days may be missed, or appointments need to be rescheduled—and that’s okay. Before we begin, we look at your current season of life together, ensuring the rhythm of the Exercises is realistic, sustainable, and truly life-giving.
The Spiritual Exercises are not about measuring up or “doing them right.” They are about opening yourself to God’s presence, discovering freedom in your journey, and learning to trust the Spirit’s guidance in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of your life.
Why Do the Exercises?
The Spiritual Exercises help you:
Grow in intimacy with God – deepen your relationship and awareness of God’s presence in everyday life.
Gain clarity about your life – notice patterns, desires, and obstacles that shape your choices.
Cultivate freedom in your choices – learn to respond with discernment rather than habit or obligation.
Engage your whole self – use your mind, heart, imagination, and will to explore your spiritual journey.
Wrestle with obstacles and discern God’s call – confront challenges with guidance and reflection.
Navigate major life decisions or transitions – receive support in discerning your path.
Live more authentically and love more deeply – bring awareness and generosity into daily life.
Respond to God’s invitation in your unique circumstances – integrate prayer and reflection into the rhythms of your life.
What I offer
18th Annotation - 10 week experience of the Spiritual Exercises. We meet weekly as a small group.
or
19th Annotation - 9 month experience of the Spiritual Exercise. We meet weekly 1:1.
If you feel called to explore a deeper, more intentional spiritual life, I would be honoured to accompany you in this retreat in everyday life.
