Dedicated to all who seek to belong fully to God
Introduction: How to Pray the Ignatian Way
Prayer in the Ignatian way is primarily the opening up of a communication of life with the Heavenly Spirit. This is not just a matter of uttering conventional prayers, but rather of letting oneself get through to God in the purest human state of being—raw and exposed. The very first thing to do, in fact, is to recognize that the whole retreat is a relational one—primarily a give and take between the Almighty and His most cherished creation.
Every day you will be on retreat, start off by quieting your heart and letting silence be your companion. Get into a comfortable position, take a few deep breaths, and realize that God is looking at you with love that is as vast as you are—no more and no less. The way He sees you is not critical, but it is affectionate and He takes pleasure in you.
So, come to the Holy Spirit and tell Him your need—you would like Him to lead you—to enlighten your mind and to open your heart. Moreover, be very specific about asking the Spirit to help you discern what it is that gets awakened in you—either joy or reluctance, maybe calmness or restlessness, perhaps thirst or fear. These emotional movements are pure signs of the holy where God is softly and gradually opening up to you.
As you reflect on Sacred Scripture, take your time. Do not be in a hurry. Read with a great deal of slowness and even aloud if that is possible. Stop when a word or a sentence speaks to you—stay there. That is God's voice to you. Let the Word penetrate down to the bottom of your soul and then converse with God from that spot.
When your prayer time is over, you can choose to write down your thoughts in the journal that you keep. Document the things you think about, the feelings you experience, the ideas you have, and the questions you may want to ask. It is sometimes the case that the understanding comes not during prayer but afterward—through reflection. Writing makes it easier to see where grace has been at work.
The end of each day is the time to practice the Daily Examen, which is an invaluable Ignatian gift. It is not only a review of your actions but also a soft and loving conversation:
First express your thankfulness—what were God’s gifts that you felt today?
Request light—to view your day from God’s perspective.
Look back at your moments—where did you welcome grace and where did you oppose it?
Talk to the Lord truthfully—admit, take pleasure, or just open your heart.
Conclude with optimism—put your next day into His loving care.
A prayer that follows the Ignatian path means creating awareness, closeness, and also gaining freedom. "God will not be found only in the solitude of your prayer time but in every breath, relationship, and moment of your day. He is nearer than you think."
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are softly inviting me to come to You, saying, “Come, and rest awhile.”
I am here, Lord—to you I am a servant, a friend, and a beloved one.
During this retreat of mine, I implore You to enlighten my heart, the way You see, the way You love, and the way You served to be.
Teach me how to be silent before You.
Lessen the noise in me, and allow Your spirit to fill my soul with peace.
Please let these days be a sacred meeting where my heart finds out again
that I am wonderfully made, deeply loved, and sent to love in return.
Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.
Let every prayer, silence, tear and smile
take me deeper into the mystery of Your love.
Help me that, at the end of these days,
I would rise again— with a heart more liberated, a vision more clear,
and an unshakable intention to follow You wherever You lead.
Amen.
Day 1 – Wonderfully Made
Scripture: Psalm 139:13–16
Reflection: Wonder in Being Created
Today we are going to begin our retreat with a standing ovation for the mystery of our own existence. God has granted each one of us a wonderful, intricate, and unique personality. With every heartbeat, every breath, and every cell in our body, we witness the presence of divine love. The Creator who made galaxies and placed the stars has also designed you with care, accuracy, and intent.
Let’s pray in silence; at the same time, we are going to take the Psalmist's words as our own: “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This knitting imagery is a symbol of patience and personal involvement. You are not a standard product; you are a unique creation molded with love by God’s hands.
Pope Francis puts it in a nice way when he says, “All human beings are a masterpiece of God’s creation, made in His image and likeness.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 274). You are NOT an accident; you are the one God has handpicked, whose existence was planned, and who is loved, invited to reflect a bit of God’s goodness to the world through your life.
The phrase "wonderfully made" does not refer only to physical beauty but rather to the image of divine creativity. The human mind, which can reason and fantasize; the human heart, which can show empathy and offer forgiveness; the human spirit, which can connect with God—all these characteristics show the Creator's influence.
Today, take the opportunity to relax and appreciate your blessings. Look at yourself with awe and respect. Your positive traits, your flaws, your experiences—all these are part of the Master’s unwavering craftsmanship.
May your prayer today be one with the wonder of the Psalmist: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Let the feeling of gratitude come out of you. Praise God for your physical being that supports you, for your intellect that knows no limits, and for your heart that holds the power to love.
Try to think: In what way can my specialness be a blessing to God and to others today? How can my existence manifest the beauty of my Creator?
Once you start viewing yourself from God's perspective, then self-rejection will turn into self-acceptance, self-acceptance will grow into gratitude and love.
Additional Scripture Passages for Contemplation
Genesis 1:26-27: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'"
Isaiah 43:1-4: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine."
Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works."
Wisdom 11:24-26: "You love all the things that exist and you do not loathe any of the things that you have made."
Matthew 10:29-31: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s Ourselves
Day 2 – To Come Out from Ourselves
Scripture: Luke 5:1–11
Reflection: Leaving the Shore of Self
Yesterday, we contemplated the wonder of being created in God’s image. Today, we are invited to step out of ourselves, to move beyond self-enclosure and fear into the open waters of trust and mission.
The call of Peter in Luke 5 is a call to inner exodus—to come out from the narrow confines of our own self-centeredness. Jesus steps into Peter’s boat, into his ordinary world, and invites him to go deeper. It is there, in the deep waters of surrender, that the miracle happens.
Pope Francis often reminds us that “the Christian life is a continuous journey of going out of ourselves to encounter others and to encounter God.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 20). To remain self-focused is to stay near the shore, where the waters are safe but sterile. The deeper waters of love, risk, and service are where true transformation unfolds.
Like Peter, we may resist at first—“We have worked all night and caught nothing.” We may feel tired, disappointed, or afraid. Yet Jesus’ gentle command, “Put out into the deep,” invites us to trust beyond logic, to act beyond comfort.
To come out from ourselves means to release the nets that hold us—
the net of fear that keeps us from trusting God,
the net of pride that seeks recognition,
the net of doubt that questions our worth,
the net of comfort that avoids risk,
and the net of self-interest that blinds us to others’ needs.
When we dare to let these go, God fills our empty nets in ways we could never imagine.
Each of us has a personal “shoreline”—a place of safety where we prefer to stay. Today, imagine Jesus stepping into your boat. Hear Him say, “Come with Me into the deep.” Where is He calling you to go? What is He asking you to leave behind?
Additional Scripture Passages for Contemplation
Matthew 16:24–25: “If anybody wants to be my disciple, let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me."
John 12:24: "Unless a grain of wheat goes to the ground and dies, it stays alone; but if it dies, it produces a lot of grain."
Philippians 2:3–5: "Do not do anything from rivalry or vain glory; on the contrary, in humility let each one esteem the other better than himself."
2 Corinthians 5:15: "He died for all, so that the live ones may no longer live for themselves but for Him who died and was raised for them."
Romans 12:1–2: "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Daily Reflective Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You stepped into Peter's boat and asked him to go deeper.
Come into my life today and take me beyond my fears,
beyond selfishness, beyond comfort.
Help me to release the nets that constrain me
and rely on Your word even when I do not comprehend.
Let me go beyond myself and follow You boldly,
ministering to You and others with a heart full of kindness.
Amen.
Daily Examen
What hinders me from completely following Jesus?
Identify the fears, attachments, or concerns about yourself that restrict you from responding to God's call with liberty.
Where was I selfish today?
Think back to any instant when you picked comfort, pride, or self-interest above love and service.
How can I be a generous person tomorrow?
Think of one specific action through which you can serve or love without keeping the score.
Optional Contemplative Exercise
Imaginative Prayer (Ignatian Method):
Position yourself at the scene beside the Sea of Galilee. Enjoy the fresh morning air, hear the gentle waves rolling onto the beach, and see Jesus coming into your boat.
Hear Him calling you by your name:
"Cast out into the sea."
What are your feelings? What are your fears? What are your expectations?
Continue your silent communication with Him. Let His loving look strengthen you to walk the path.
Day 3 – The Lord of the World
Scripture: Colossians 1:15–20
Reflection: Christ at the Center of All
The entire universe is the Lord's. Every mountain and every raindrop and every human being has its significance in Christ. We often forget about the Creator in the world, but today, like every other day, we confess the One who keeps everything alive. Christ isn't merely our Redeemer. He is the pulse of the whole cosmos. The same God who controls all the stars also lives in the soft, still sound of your in-and-out breathing. The Pope in His quote, “Everything is interconnected, and this invites us to develop a spirituality of global solidarity” (Laudato Si’, 240) is commending us to this universal vision.
Seeing Jesus as the Lord of the world transforms us into people that have reverence as a result. The people become holy, and the creatures become the mirrors of divine craftsmanship. When we perceive relationship instead of ownership, gratitude flourishes — we are not the lords of creation but the caretakers of it.
Spend some time today realizing: the sunbeams penetrating through the leaves, the joyful sound of a friend, the soft beating of your own heart. These are signs that God is present. Where, if you will, have you not seen His lordship? Have comfort, the tension of life, or even indifference caused your amazement to fade? Heed the call to be part of God’s living cosmos again — you are loved, supported, and tasked with nurturing.
Additional Scripture Passages
Psalm 24:1–2 – “The ground is of the Lord, and everything that is on it is of the Lord.”
John 1:3 – “He was the One who made everything that is.”
Romans 11:36 – “All things are from Him and through Him and to Him.”
Revelation 4:11 – “You are the one worthy, O Lord... because You made everything."
Daily Reflective Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are the supreme ruler over all that is created.
Make me capable of noticing Your presence in the mundane,
to respect Your creation in every living being,
and to be very thankful and to be a witness of Your power.
Let my life speak of Your magnificence,
and let my care of the world show Your kindness.
Amen.
Daily Examen
In what way could I see God today?
What aspect of nature did I not properly care for or overlook?
What will be my actions tomorrow that will reflect greater wonder and appreciation?
Contemplative Activity
Take an easy stroll in nature. Allow your sensory perceptions to come alive. Speak softly, “The earth belongs to the Lord.” Discover one plain thing that discloses God’s presence—and express your gratitude.
Day 4 – Called, Chosen, Sent
Scripture: Matthew 28:16–20
Reflection: The Joy of Being Sent
To be accepted by God means being called — to be chosen for a love mission. Jesus’last words to His followers are not goodbyes but handing over: “Go.”
Pope Francis reiterates this very often that every Christian is a sort of missionary: “Each of us is a mission, drawn by the Father to shine the light of Christ.” (Gaudete et Exsultate, 19).
Today, take some time to think about your individual calling. It might not be spectacular, but it is certainly true. You are sent — to your family, your job, your church, your neighborhood — to show Christ’s gentleness.
When God calls, we might get scared: “I am not good enough, not strong enough.” But Jesus gives us His word, “I am with you always.” His being here with us changes fear to bravery, doubt to testifying.
Your belonging is not something that you just passively enjoy; it is an active relationship — you are loved, chosen, and sent so that others can discover the same joy.
Additional Scripture Passages
Isaiah 6:8 – “Here am I; send me.”
John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, I send you.”
Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”
Ephesians 4:1 – “Lead a life that is worthy of the calling you have received.”
Daily Reflective Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You have summoned me by name and designated me as Your own.
Guide me to discern Your voice distinctly
and to follow wherever You take me.
Grant me the boldness to share Your love
with all the people and circumstances I encounter.
Amen.
Daily Examen
Where has God called me today?
What fears or excuses kept me from responding?
How can I say "Yes" more freely tomorrow?
Contemplative Activity
Jesus'the image in front of you is saying, "Go." Whereto would He be sending you today - to pardon, to assist, to uplift? Take that task along with you in your night.
Day 5 – The Way: Ecology of Mercy
Scripture: Genesis 2:15; Luke 10:25–37
Reflection: Living Mercy Toward All Creation
Being God's insists on living mercy — not just towards humans but even the whole of creation.
According to Genesis, human beings are provided the task to cultivate the garden and care for it. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke is a merciful act that breaks boundaries.
"Pope Francis brings these two together when he speaks of an 'ecology of mercy'—a lifestyle that respects the bond between all beings." "Mercy is not a concept; it is a perception." "To be merciful means to live life soft-heartedly—to bend down to the afflicted person, to the poisoned river, to the invisible neighbor."
Inquire within you: Where is the place for mercy in the world I live in? It could be in your speech, your consumption, or in your relationships. Mercy starts where our hearts are touched.
Additional Scripture Passages
Micah 6:8 – “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.”
Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
Romans 8:19–22 – Creation itself longs for redemption.
James 2:13 – “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Daily Reflective Prayer
Lord,
Help me to be mindful of my gentle footsteps on this planet,
and let the mercy of Your creation be the way I interact with them.
May my love for others, animals, and the world
reveal Your kindness and compassion.
Amen.
Daily Examen
Where was my act of mercy today?
Who or what did I fail to take care of?
What can I do to be more sympathetic tomorrow?
Contemplative Activity
Allocate some minutes to offer your care to a living thing, be it a plant, an animal, or a person in distress. Transform that action into a quiet prayer of mercy.
Day 6 – Around the Common Failure
Scripture: Luke 15:11–32
Reflection: The Embrace That Never Ends
Everybody makes mistakes; however, God's love is still there.
The journey of the prodigal son is our journey as well—restlessness, wrong calls, and desire to come back.
Pope Francis states, “The name of God is Mercy.” Being one with God does not mean infallibility; it is the act of coming back, and again and again, to the hug that makes us feel home.
Mistakes cannot be regarded as dead-ends; they can rather be seen as humility invitations. They assist us in recognizing our dependence on God's grace. When we stop covering our wounds, we start healing.
Let your mistakes be the passages through which God comes. Await His voice saying, “You are always with me, and everything that is mine is yours.”
Additional Scripture Passages
Psalm 51:10–12 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”
John 8:10–11 – “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.”
Romans 8:1 – “There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”
Micah 7:18–19 – “He will again have compassion upon us.”
Daily Reflective Prayer
Lord,
When I fail, help me not to despair.
Honesty and trust should be the hallmarks of my return to You.
Show me that Your mercy outshines my weakness,
and that Your love knows no bounds.
Amen.
Daily Examen
What failures did I go through today?
How did I answer that—through pride, denial, or humility?
What grace can I draw from God in these failures?
Contemplative Activity
Picture being held by the Father in the parable. Experience His forgiveness. Be in His arms.
Day 7 – The Triumph of Failure
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Reflection: Strength in Weakness
Surrendered to God, failure can be, paradoxically, a victory.
“When I am weak, then I am strong”—these very words of Paul invite us to place our trust in the God’s grace that can change our brokenness into something beautiful.
Pope Francis has it right when he states, “The Lord never tires of forgiving; it is we who tire of asking.” Thus, our weakness humbles us, opens us up, and makes room for grace.
Try to recall moments when your shortcomings brought you nearer to others or even to God. What if our wounds are not disqualifications at all, but rather the very places where God’s glory shines the brightest?
The victory of failure is not success; it is a metamorphosis. It is the realization that God's power reaches its height when we stop being strong and just be, as we are.
Additional Scripture Passages
Philippians 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Isaiah 40:29 - “He gives power to the faint.”
John 21:15-19 – Peter, forgiven and restored.
Hebrews 4:15-16 - “We have a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses.”
Daily Reflective Prayer
Lord,
Change my weakness into Your strength.
Turn my limitations into channels of Your grace.
Help me to boast, not in success,
but in the power of Your love that sustains me.
Amen.
Daily Examen
Where did I find God in my weakness?
How did I learn the lesson of humility through failure today?
How can I accept my imperfections tomorrow?
Contemplative Activity
Look at a crucifix and reflect upon how the most significant “failure” of all times turned into the biggest redemption of the world.
Day 8 – A New Imagination of the Possible
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18–19
“Don’t keep recalling the past... I am going to perform a new act; it has just started to grow — can you not take notice of it?”
Reflection: The God of New Beginnings
The Almighty never gets tired of bringing forth new creations. He encourages us to dream, to be hopeful, and to have the belief that the future will be God's creativity, and not our control.
Pope Francis states: “Allow us to be the dreamers that will pave the way for the Church and the globe.” (Let Us Dream, 2020)
Tet, let Almighty God open your imagination afresh today. Get rid of the regrets and fears of the past. “Hope” is not a synonym for foolishness — it is the assurance that God is still working, even when we cannot understand how.
Think of your life as a painting where the Holy Spirit keeps painting with different colors and surprising strokes but the Artist is still there and loyal to the original concept.
Additional Scripture Passages
Revelation 21:5 – “Look! I am creating everything new.”
Jeremiah 29:11 – “I have a plan for you, and it is a good one.”
Philippians 3:13–14 – “Leaving behind what is past... I am striving for the prize.”
Romans 15:13 – “Let the God of hope fill you with happiness and peace.”
Daily Reflective Prayer
Dear God,
Let my heart be open to the new things that You are doing.
Help me to have the courage to dream with You,
to take the future with faith and hope.
Create in me a seeker of Your will with a creative spirit.
Amen.
Daily Examen
What new possibility am I detecting today?
Where in me, Lord, do you find reluctance to perform your new work?
What act of hope will I undertake tomorrow?
Contemplative Activity
During the silence, picture God putting a little seed in your palm. Inquire about the new life which He wants to bring about through you.
Closing Prayer
(St. Ignatius of Loyola – Suscipe)
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will.
All I have and call my own,
You have granted to me; to You, Lord, I give it back.
Everything is Yours; do with it what You want.
Only Your love and Your grace give me —
that is sufficient for me. Amen.
Prayer of Sending Forth
Lord,
I come to You just like this,
to be Yours once more.
Please take my distractions and pacify my heart.
Please speak, Lord - Your servant is paying attention.
Help me to find myself in Your loving look,
and to come back transformed,
ready to live what I have prayed for.
Amen.
