I lately prayed by Fr. Mark Thibodeaux’s Reimagining the Ignatian Examen, an progressive and difficult assortment of Examen prayers. I did this with a handful of associates, a few of whom had been new to Ignatian spirituality. Approaching this foundational Ignatian prayer within the firm of recent eyes deepened my very own expertise of the Examen, highlighting phrases and phrases that I usually brush previous too shortly.
One such instance, raised by one of many Ignatian newcomers, was, What does it imply to start an Examen “in my normal method”? Fr. Thibodeaux begins every of his Examens with this level to start within the so-called “normal method.”
This instruction is grounded within the Ignatian custom, drawn from the Religious Workouts. St. Ignatius begins most of his meditations by telling the exercitant to interact in “the same old preparatory prayer.” What does he imply?
It’s an excellent query. “Catholics may bless themselves,” I stated. “It’s an invite to a totally embodied prayer. The way you sit or stand whereas at prayer and the place your prayer takes place—these sorts of issues account on your ‘normal method’ of doing the Examen.”
“Nicely,” my pal replied, “what’s your normal method?”
One other good query—and one which demanded some thought. I’ve some books I learn earlier than and after my Examen, with a quote from the mystics and the day’s Gospel passage. I attempt to journal after my Examen, which, whereas not a preparatory prayer, remains to be key to my expertise.
I do all this within the morning, ideally after I’ve gotten some train in and earlier than my ladies come clamoring down the steps. The lights are comfortable, the home is quiet, and I sit in our cozy lounge, normally cross-legged on the ground.
That supplied a passable reply for my pal, however I’ve come again to the query many times, partially as a result of I really like this Ignatian instruction. I really like the invitation to form my very own prayer expertise and the reminder that I convey one thing distinctive—of physique, thoughts, and spirit—to the every day apply. It’s ritual, pure and easy. The act of prayer is an outward signal of its interior goal; we’re uniquely and “splendidly made” (Psalm 139:14) and positioned in a particular time and setting.
However what this query from my pal and my consequent response have helped me see is an impediment in my prayer. I really like “my normal method” of coming into into prayer. However I don’t all the time get the prospect to start my day in such a state of peace.
I oversleep or purposefully ignore the decision of these dumbbells and my stationary bike. My ladies come downstairs too early or have a foul dream and wind up asleep on my face. The cats get right into a struggle or throw up on the ground, or I simply waste an excessive amount of time scrolling by my telephone or making the espresso. All of this quantities to “my normal method” being thrown into chaos. And my normal response turns into, I suppose I’m not praying as we speak.
The actual problem, then, that my associates provided me and that I now provide to you is: Uncover your normal method of prayer, the distinctive ritual by which you enter into God’s presence. However don’t let that change into an excuse for ignoring prayer when your days inevitably fall in need of these excellent circumstances.
“My normal method” is just the one which brings me to God by means of the individuals, locations, and issues God has already positioned in my path: these early-rising daughters, the rambunctious duo of cats, and my very own reluctance to pull myself off the bed and work up a sweat.
These issues, too, are pathways to God—they usually’re uniquely mine. What are your pathways?
Picture by Ivan Samkov on Pexels.
