TIP of the day - from the blogs: Ignatian and Wesleyan spirituality

Christian Practice from the blog Interpreting Scripture

Ignatian Spirituality

• What is Ignatian Spirituality?
• The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life by James Martin, SJ
• Saint Ignatius’ Own Story: As Told to Luis González De Cámara with a Sampling of Ignatius’ Own Letters

Spiritual Exercises:

The Spiritual Exercises are a wonderful process for spiritual formation developed by Jesuit priest, Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556). It was originally designed for a 30 day intensive retreat away from the distractions of the world. But, Ignatius realized not everyone could do that. Now it is frequently done over several months referred to as the 19th Annotation or “retreat in daily life.” The Spiritual Exercises are Christocentric and shaped around four “weeks” focused on understanding God’s love for us, the life of Jesus, and his call on our life. The Spiritual Exercises are meant to be completed with the accompaniment of a spiritual director. If you are looking for a spiritual director, check out the directory at Spiritual Directors International or look up a local Jesuit priest or a Sister in an Ignatian order (Be sure to find a director who has been properly trained to walk someone through the Spiritual Exercises.) For more information see the following resources:

• What are the Spiritual Exercises?
• The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Daily Life by Kevin O’Brien, SJ.
• Creighton University’s Online Retreat (based on the Spiritual Exercises)
• Spiritual Exercises based on Paul’s Epistle to the Romans by Joseph A. Fitzmyer
• Biblical Theology and the Spiritual Exercises by Gilles Cusson, S.J.
• Understanding the Spiritual Exercises: Text and Commentary, A Handbook for Retreat Directors by Michael Ivens, S.J. (An older translation of Ignatius’ work can be found online without commentary. Keep in mind that Ignatius wrote it as a manual for retreat directors and not for devotional reading. It can be difficult to interpret without proper training in Ignatian theology.)

Other Ignatian Discernment and Prayer Resources:

• The Examen (a helpful daily prayer process)
• Practical steps for discernment (Ignatian style)
• What’s Your Decision? How to Make Choices with Confidence and Clarity: An Ignatian Approach to Decision Making by J. Michael Sparough, SJ, Jim Manney, and Tim Hipskind, SJ.

Wesleyan Spirituality

Wesleyan spirituality is a great complement to Ignatian spirituality. Both are concerned with inner transformation that leads to tangible action. The Christian faith is not merely personal piety or a “ticket to heaven.” It is about being renewed to the image of Christ and so living here and now in a way that makes a difference in the world. This personal transformation requires intentional cultivation and reliance on the Spirit. Like Ignatian spirituality, Wesleyan spirituality encourages spiritual disciplines within the context of intimate community.

Wesley’s Three Rules (see also this more in-depth theological explanation)

Summary of Wesleyan Spirituality (easy to understand explanation by Kevin Watson, professor of Wesleyan studies at Emory University. See also Kevin’s blog Vital Piety)

Wesleyan Discernment

The Wesley Center Online (historical and scholarly resources on Wesleyan theology)