You have now gone through the Principle and Foundation, covering these themes and practices:
From Principle and Foundation
- Your image of God
- God’s love for you
- Your relationship with other human beings and creatures/creation
- Inner freedom
- Discernment of spiritual influences that pull us away or toward God (consolation and desolation)
- Emotions and the Spiritual Life
- The Examen
Spend some time this week reflecting on the journey so far. Look back over your journal and/or other sign posts. Ask God to bring to the surface what is most important for your spiritual process. As you reflect, keep prayer at the center (not just intellectual or meditative review). The goal is always connection with God.
- What emotions or desires come up for you as you reflect on your experience of the Exercises so far?
- What stands out to you the most? (e.g. Recurring patterns? Specific images or Scriptures?)
- Are there areas that you would like to go back to and spend more time on? If so, you can revisit them this week.
- What kind of conversations are you having with God? Are there things you have not talked with God about?
- Having completed these five weeks, draw your images of God. Are they similar or different from the ones you had when you started? How do you feel about God?
The Preparation Days are designed to stir up feelings of love and desire for God. This occurs when you have an accurate image of God as a wonderful, caring Being, and when you glimpse the meaningful life purposes God has for you. From this open hearted disposition, you are ready to respond to what God might show you during the Exercises. Where are you at right now? Do you feel the Preparation Days have accomplished their purpose? Or do you need more time to reflect on your image of God and other areas? Pray and reflect on these questions. Then discuss with your spiritual director.