I wanted to share with my blog community something new in my life. I am considering undergoing the discipline known as the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
The Spiritual Exercises will be conducted as a 30-week process designed to enable working people to deepen their relationship and commitment to Jesus Christ. This Exercise will be offered in Tulsa from October through April, under the sponsorship of the Benedictine Sisters of Red Plains Monastery.
This will be a huge commitment. One that I am very anxious about taking on. The Spiritual Exercises involves an hour of daily prayer on the topic specified in the Exercises, a weekly prayer group meeting and twice monthly sessions with a Priest as spiritual guide. That is a lot of work, as it is intended to be, and should be. I truly believe that this Exercise will be a life-changing experience, you can't pray an hour each day for seven months without God changing you.
My goal is to hone my discernment skills and grow more deeply in my relationship to and commitment to Jesus Christ. I see this as a basis or foundation to the third part of my life, to live it as God desires it. I have a few weeks to make up my mind and commit to the process.
I would be grateful for any prayer support and would like to read any comments.
You might be interested in this; when you get to the page, click on Download Jesuit Review - First Installment:
http://www.companionofjesus.com/jesuitreview/jr-installment01.html
Posted by: Gannet Girl | July 31, 2007 at 01:25 PM
Keep us posted on this experience as you can. I know someone who has spent a great deal of time with the Sisters up there. It's a good place to be.
Posted by: Anglican | July 31, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Good luck with your exercises! Please keep us updated on how it goes. That would definitely make for some interesting and helpful reading.
Posted by: Jeff | July 28, 2007 at 08:04 PM
I just found your blog and I am supposed to be packing for a week-end trip, but I wanted to say: how incredibly exciting! I did a 19th Annotation retreat a year ago and yes, it is an incredible life experience that has re-shaped everything for me. It just so happens that I've just posted a couple of entries about it -- look for numbers 8 and 9 in my "Getting Here" series. I hope that this turns out to be the right time in your life for you to undertake the Exercises -- I don't think the experience will ever leave you.
Posted by: Gannet Girl | July 27, 2007 at 08:12 AM
What a great opportunity! Many prayers for you, and blessings, as you undertake the endeavor.
It would certainly be interesting to read comments/updates/observations as you progress through the Exercises.
Posted by: LP | July 26, 2007 at 07:40 AM
I met the Sisters of Benedict at Red Plains a couple of years ago, participated in a lectio reading, and participated in the noon prayers. I just received an email about the spiritual exercises. I really wish I could do them, but with my doctoral work will not have the time it takes. Please share your experience, as I hope to go through them in the next few years.
Posted by: James | July 25, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Wow! If you are in a place in your life where this is possible, by all means do it. My spiritiual director was trained by Jesuits and is very much formed in the Ignatian mold. My own background is profoundly Benedictine and I was a little concerned about a possible conflict in methods. On the contrary, my director told me that the two would complement and feed off one another quite nicely. So far--he's been absolutely right.
Posted by: Derek the Ænglican | July 24, 2007 at 12:17 AM
I just stumbled across your blog tonight and I have enjoyed reading it. I think the spiritual exercise sounds like a wonderful idea and I will keep you in my prayers during your decision making process.
Posted by: TradCatholic | July 23, 2007 at 10:38 PM