Overview

Ignatian meditation is a mediation method that uses visualisation and the imagination and is  based on the style of prayer that St Ignatius of Loyola used in his spiritual exercises.

St Ignatius lived in Spain in the 16th century and founded the Jesuit order of priests. He believed that our imagination can help us to enter into the events of Jesus’ life.

Take a scripture passage and then imagine you have the opportunity to dialogue with the teacher in the story (God, Jesus, Isaiah, Paul, James etc.). This can be about what has just been taught or said: be it a law, a parable, an aphorism, a judgement, or an exhortation, seeking further clarification or meaning.

You imagine, during the meditation, what you would ask further and say, and even what the speaker would say in return! 

Preparation 

• Assume the posture for meditation. (Sitting upright; feet on the floor; body relaxed and comfortable) 

• Begin to regulate your breathing to slow your metabolism and empty your mind of distracting thoughts. 

• Recite your mantra prayer: Maranatha (“Come Lord Jesus”); or “Speak to me, Word of God”; “Speak Lord, I am listening”; or one of your own. 

Listening/Reading 

When you are ready, either listen to or read a chosen text from the Sacred Scriptures. This should not be long - a short paragraph is best. Read it (or have it read to you) slowly, pausing slightly at the end of each sentence.  

Listen to the reading for anything that interests you, challenges you, excites you, puzzles you, even angers or upsets you. 

Imagination 

Think and formulate some questions, comments, statements you would make in response to the speaker in the text. What would you ask, say, challenge, protest about? 

Imagine that you are 'in the story' and that you have the opportunity to be with the speaker of the text: be it Jesus, or St Paul, or one of the prophets, or God. 

In your imagination, ask the speaker about what they meant, or who they intended this teaching for, or whether it applies to you, or what impact it would have on you. 

State your opinions, feelings, attitudes, emotions on hearing this text. Do you agree with it? Can you accept it? How does it make you feel? Is it asking something too hard? Is it relevant for people today? 

Hear what the speaker, in their wisdom, might reply. Recognise that what God wants and what you want may be different. What is God asking of you through this speaker? Hear that God is patient and that God loves you as you are. 

Pray 

Ask God’s help, in prayer, for whatever you need. 

For the last time, read or listen to the passage and at the end, rest in silence.

Return to your breathing and your mantra for a few minutes, clearing your mind of all thoughts. You may wish to turn the word or phrase you have been reflecting on into a mantra. 

Journal 

At the end of the meditation, you might like to spend a few minutes journaling whatever comes to mind; or go for a walk, reflecting on the experience, or noting any reflections or responses you had to the text.

You may wish to write a prayer to use on other occasions, or even construct a mantra from the word or phrase you heard today with the ear of your heart.