How to Do an Ignatian Meditation
As one of our three patron saints, our community takes much of its spiritual identity from the life and work of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatian meditation is a form of prayer that is rooted in using our imagination to engage with Sacred Scripture. It’s at the heart of the Spiritual Exercises that St. Ignatius started when he founded the Jesuits. It also serves as the foundation for our silent retreat every year.
The primary goal of Ignatian meditation – and any prayer – is to talk with God from the heart. Ignatian meditation (or contemplation as it is also commonly referred to) allows us to engage with Jesus, Mary, the disciples, and the events of the Church on a deeper level.
Ignatian contemplation can work well with any Scripture passage, but Ignatius stresses the events centering around the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus found in the Gospels.
Below is a blueprint to begin praying with Scripture in the spirit of St. Ignatius.
1. Find a Quiet Place
Begin by finding a quiet, comfortable place where you won't be disturbed. If you can, find a church with the Blessed Sacrament present so you can be with Jesus as you converse with Him. If this is not doable for you, a spot in your house such as your bedroom, office, or prayer corner could also work or even a serene outdoor location. The most important thing is to create an environment where you can focus and be free from distractions.
2. Prepare Your Heart and Mind
Spend a few moments calming your mind and preparing your heart. You might start with a simple prayer, asking God to be with you during this time. A prayer like, "Lord, help me to be present to you and to hear your voice," can be effective.
3. Choose a Scripture Passage
Select a passage from Scripture to meditate on. The Gospels are a great place to start, as they contain rich narratives of Jesus' life and ministry. Consider the below passages as a starting point, but feel free to find one that resonates with you:
4. Read the Passage Slowly
Before we begin any prayer, Ignatius encourages us to ask for the grace we hope to receive. What do you hope to receive from this prayer time? Share your thoughts with God and ask for that grace. If you are having trouble thinking of something, Ignatius suggests asking for this grace in the second week of the Exercises:
“I ask for the grace to know Jesus intimately, to love him more intensely, and so to follow him more closely.”
Read your chosen passage slowly and attentively. You might read it several times, allowing the words to sink in. Pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you, and take note of them.
5. Use Your Five Senses to Imagine the Scene
Close your eyes and use your imagination to place yourself within the scene. Visualize the setting, the people, and the actions taking place. Consider the perspectives of the different characters in the passage.
What are they thinking and feeling?
How are they interacting with each other and with Jesus?
If you were one of these characters, what would you be thinking?
Engage all your senses — see the colors, hear the sounds, feel the textures, and even smell the scents. Try to immerse yourself fully in the experience. If you’re feeling stuck, try one of these prompts to help you refocus:
Sight: What do you see in the scene? Visualize the surroundings, people, and the place in the passage.
Hearing: What sounds do you hear? Are there conversations, natural noises, or other sounds?
Touch: What can you feel? Think about textures, objects, or the ground beneath you.
Smell: What scents are present? Are there any particular smells that stand out to you?
Taste: Is there anything in the scene that you can taste? This could be food, drink, or even the taste of the air.
The application of the senses can be the most immersive and creative part of the imaginative experience since scriptural accounts often lack sensory details and descriptions. This method is also excellent for engaging with a story that might otherwise be challenging to pray with.
6. Speak with God (Colloquy)
Enter into a conversation with God about what came to you in prayer. Share your thoughts, feelings, and reflections with Him. It’s not important that it all make sense right now, but just share and converse “as one friend speaks to another” (Spiritual Exercises #54). Picture talking to a friend or Mary or the saints if it helps you talk to God.
7. Conclude with a Prayer
End your meditation with a prayer of thanksgiving. Thank God for His presence, for any insights or graces you received, and for the opportunity to spend time with Him in prayer. You might also pray for the grace to live out any insights or resolutions you gained during your meditation.
8. Carry it Forward
Take the fruits of your meditation into your daily life. Reflect on how you can apply what you've received from God in prayer to your interactions with your family and friends. Allow the time you spent in prayer to influence your thoughts, words, actions, and decisions.
Ignatian meditation is a powerful tool for deepening your relationship with God. By following these steps, you can enter more fully into the mysteries of Scripture and experience the transformative love of Christ. Remember, the most important part is to approach this time with an open heart and a willingness to listen to God's voice.
