Ponder each point slowly, and express your sentiments in a short prayer:
16. Acting contrary to our Inordinate Attachments and Tendencies: St. Ignatius spells out the Agere Contra Principle in the spiritual life, Latin for 'To act against.' Sometimes our desires, attachments, and passions will demand immediate gratification. In doing so, they will lead us into desolation. When we are under the influence of our inordinate attachments and passions, we will move toward desolation or away from God. A hallmark of authentic discipleship is the spiritual practice of going against our inordinate desires and attachments, making sure we are aligned with God's will. We do this through petitionary prayer and other spiritual exercises. At all times the disciple desires only the service, honor, and glory of God.
Dear Lord, we are on this journey to develop singularity of purpose, as I examine myself, reveal those areas that are not of Your will and create in me a distaste for them. I see my drive for vain glory does not bring about the peace my soul desires and in this, I trust Your almighty power to keep me where You want me. Amen.
17. Accountability: The director is to be respectful of the exercitant, refraining from being curious about their personal matters. However, the participant needs to give the director an honest account of what is going on in prayer and during the day so that they can receive the proper help.
Triune God, as I listen, help me refrain from doing anything other than Your will. You are aware of all situations and I am not, my personal advice will only help if directed by You. You are and have the answer in all things. Open my ears to know the proper exercises and learn them first before advising others in them. Amen.
18. Adapting the Spiritual Exercises: St. Ignatius presumes that not everybody is a suitable candidate to make the 30-day retreat. Age, education, and talent could be determining factors. It is for the director to determine what is most suitable for every participant, and to provide an adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises to them.
Spiritual direction is a way of life if you are under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit. How you treat others and your own prejudices reveals your disposition to others and how you respond to them. Recognize your own weaknesses and thus will better help you recognize where others are at in the journey.
Thank You Father for this understanding and the opportunity to see myself in my own weaknesses towards others. Amen.
19. The Nineteenth Annotation Retreat: Another description that is used for 'Introductory Observations' is 'Annotations.' We are making the Thirty Day retreat according to the 19th Annotation or Introductory Observation. It is meant for seekers who are earnest about their discipleship and are willing to make a serious commitment. However, they cannot leave the daily responsibilities of their lives. In this model the Spiritual Exercises are done over several weeks, depending on the judgment of the director. We have chosen to do them over 24 weeks or 6 months.
each A daily commitment to prayer is important if one is seeking a deeper relationship with our Father. Your abilities and talents are gifts from God and He expects you to use them for the glory of His Kingdom. Recognize who is the Giver and seek the morsels in daily prayer. Nothing great is accomplished quickly especially in this instant culture.
Dear Lord, help me recognize You in all that I do, from morning to night may I give You thanks in the various roles You have given me. I see some of my misgivings and how they can harm others, I trust in Your Divine guidance, Amen.
20. The Proper Dispositions of a Serious Exercitant: Anyone who makes the 30-day retreat, by leaving all behind, receives several benefits. Their commitment to God intensifies; they can give their whole attention to one single purpose, which is the service of God and their spiritual progress; the time of much solitude and prayer brings about greater union with God and disposes the exercitant to receive graces and gifts from the infinite goodness of God. We can strive to have these dispositions during our 24-week retreat.
There are many graces received when we detach from the world each day and just sit in silence and stillness and be totally aware of you and God. Come Holy Ghost.
Dear Father God, this good that I am here, it is good that we can talk to each other in a state of peace, this was not always the case. There where many self imposed distractions that would get in the way but You have revealed the greater treasure and I am grateful. Thank You Father for a blessed board retreat with great outcome, the road is being paved with Your plan. Prayers for friends in desolation, help them find their way to You. Amen.
Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Pray for us.
Viva Christo Rey
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