Ponder each point slowly, and express your sentiments in a short prayer:
6. Being Lukewarm and unmoved: St. Ignatius is of the view that when we engage seriously with God in prayer, we will experience movements towards God, like peace, joy, longing for God, etc., which are termed consolations, as well as movements away from God, like temptations, turmoil, disquiet, doubt, etc., which are termed desolations. In this Observation, he asks the director to be concerned if the exercitant is lukewarm and unmoved. It is important to find out what the reason is for such un-involvement in order to correct the problem. Early in the retreat, St. Ignatius suggests that you read the Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, #316-324 (First Week), as well as #73-90, so that you learn to take good care of your spiritual health.
Dear Father, I thank You for allowing me to be sensitive to the movements that are within. These Internal revelations are opening up new doors that I didn't know existed. Guide me during those rough waters with Your gentle reminders of hope and encouragement.
7. Gentle Treatment in Desolation: When we are tempted and in desolation, we need encouragement, hope, and good counsel. St. Ignatius asks the director to fulfill this function so that the exercitant learns effective spiritual self-care.
Dear Lord, You have been guiding many in their life's and bringing them to this place of effective spiritual self-care. Help us in this journey to know when to ask for help, You see all.
8. Becoming familiar with the Rules for the Discernment of Spirits: In offering sound direction, the director taps into a very rich pool of spiritual wisdom found in the Rules of the First Week and Second Week for the understanding of different spirits, #313-327, and #328- 336.
Whether we know it or not, we are influenced by various spirits, being spiritual dead is where the evil one wants you at for then you are putty in his hands and are ignorant of what is influencing your actions or will. Being aware of your movements either towards God or away from God and knowing it, is a gift from God.
Dear Triune God, it is You that gives ya s these insights, guide our actions and responses so they are pleasing to You and we are advancing in our relationship with You.
9. Adapting the Spiritual Exercises: This is an Observation that is pertinent to the First Week. Exercitants are of varying stripes: to each, their own. One size does not fit all! A wise director begins with where the exercitant is, explains and offers help to address their present difficulties and questions, and does not overwhelm them by offering more than they need or can handle.
Dear Lord, I realize there is purpose in this, for it is You that produced this thought and gave it legs. I trust in Your Divine Providence to lead each of us deeper and giving us exactly what we need.
10. Becoming familiar with the Second Set of Rules for Discernment in time of desolation:
This observation is pertinent to those who are in the Second Week and progressing. They are the ones who are "being assailed and tempted under the appearance of good.
Dear Father, I am asking for Your help in better understanding this, I can see how in the appearance of doing good it can cause chaos. Show me areas in my own life where I am caught in this trap.
Thank You Father for answered prayers for a friend that is getting good news on his wife. I lift them up to You this morning in thanks and gratitude. You hear every single one of our prayers. Amen.
What is God saying to me: I make all things new again. You are seeing how your life can become one with Me and together the world can be transformed for the better. The Apostles experienced the same thing but first were under the guidance of Jesus as He coached them as Son of Man, He was their Spiritual Director, He is yours as well as I reveal truth within scripture later on. Be blessed today, you do not go alone.
Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Pray for us.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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