Category: Ignatian Spirituality

A Dangerous Adventure

Over the last several weeks, I’ve been leading some workshops for two groups at my church. It’s been a lot of work, but in the end, I’ve been pleased with the feedback I’ve received.

The first group is made up of volunteer religion teachers. The second group consists of professional educators who teach in Catholic schools. While the content is the same, my approach to each group has been slightly different. The subject is spirituality, and I was grateful to be able to weave in a lot of the thoughts of St. Ignatius and his approach to God and our relationship with Him.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Prayer

A Little R and R

I don’t know about you, but things seem to be moving at break-neck speed lately.

It seems like I simply move from thing to thing, and at the end of the day, I shake my head wondering if I did anything really worthwhile.

How about you? Are your days flying by too? Are you in need of a little R & R? Join the club 🙂

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Nutrition

Life Is More Than Food

I met with a friend today for a little spiritual direction. Actually, he’s going to meet with me each week from now until Christmas.

As homework and for my prayer, he gave me three Scripture passages: 1 Corinthians 13 (love), 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 (stress), and Matthew 6:25-33). Of the three, the passage from Matthew had the most meaning for me.

Catholic Church Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Personal Development Prayer

Lectio Divina

Earlier today, I gave a presentation on Lectio Divina to a group of schoolteachers. It was well received, so I thought I’d share it with you today. The art of Lectio Divina, Latin for divine reading might be new to you. At one time in the history of the Church, however, it was actually quite common. Then, lives became busy with many other things, and it was left to those in religious life, especially the monastic orders such as the Benedictines, to continue the practice.

Gardening Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration

Familiarity

It’s nice to be home for a week. Home being California. As you might expect, the weather has been perfect. Not quite the low 40’s I left.

It’s funny how much we crave familiarity, and it’s sometimes hard to find it, isn’t it? It might be people (like your family), or a place (like the beach), or some other thing (maybe a favorite food). What might it be for you?

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Mind Prayer

Rejoice

I got together with some friends last night for dinner. The weather here in Westminster is starting to remind us that we’re in the fall season. I think the low last night was in the 40’s.

As we sat outside talking for a bit, I realized how blessed I am. Despite all the problems in our world today (and in our own lives), we still have it really good. That’s cause for rejoicing. 🙂

Catholic Church Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Spirit

My Class

Last night was the first night teaching my fifth grade class. Before we finished the year this past May, I made the decision to move up with my fourth graders, and I was really grateful that just about everyone signed up to have me be their teacher again.

Yesterday was like a family reunion, and we had so much fun, just talking and learning. We bonded very well last year, and I think that will only continue. I can’t wait to see it happen.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Personal Development Prayer

Going It Alone

Yesterday morning, I got a little spiritual advice from a friend of mine. He pointed out that it seemed like when I’m not at my best, it’s because I’m trying to do it alone.

When you’re feeling down, or spiritually challenged, you need to have some friends to reach out to, and vice versa.

Of course, most of us know that, but how many are really working on those kinds of relationships? My guess is that, because we finds ourselves so busy, we’re not building those tight friendships that will sustain us over the long haul.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Prayer Spirit

Autumn is Here

I was sitting in my living room this morning doing a little reading. It was a quiet, peaceful time, and I got some much-needed solitude.

As I looked through the sliding glass window of my dining room, I watched as the leaves of my english walnut tree dropped its leaves onto the patio. It was beautiful to see them drift slowly to the ground. I must admit, however, that I wasn’t looking forward to cleaning them up 🙂

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Prayer

Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

Post author By seedthrower1
Post date 09/19/2011
No Comments on Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; the one who seeks, finds; and the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10

Since the summer, the words from this passage in Luke seemed to turn up everywhere for me. While on retreat, they came to me and I got them into my journal. An hour later, I listened to a presentation and the speaker said these lines would be the focus of his talk.

Someone recommended a prayer to me, and you guessed it, these words were what the prayer was all about. I could go on and on.