Ignatius 90

Ignatius90 Handbook

Ignatius90

A 90 Day Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Download this welcome packet below (pdf)

Ignatius90 HandbookDownload

Vicktor Moberg

Table of Contents

  1. Ignatius90
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Introduction
  4. History
  5. Resources
    1. Required
    2. Suggested
    3. Prayers
      1. Anima Christi
      2. Suscipe
  6. Penances and Disciplines
    1. Introduction
      1. Spiritual Exercises (SpEx) [87]
    2. Interior
    3. Exterior
  7. Weekly Meetings
    1. Agenda
  8. Retreat Outline
    1. The First Week
      1. Week 1- Introduction
      2. Week 2- God’s Gifts to Us
      3. Week 3- Purpose in Life
      4. Week 4- On Sin and Hell
      5. Week 5: Personal Sin
      6. Week 6- God’s Mercy
    2. The Second Week
      1. Week 7- The Call of the King
      2. Week 8- Entering into Christ’s Life
      3. Week 9- The Two Standards
      4. Week 10- Walking with Jesus
      5. Week 11- Knowledge of the Lord
    3. The Third Week
      1. Week 12- The Lamentation of the Christ
      2. Week 13- The Passion of the Christ
    4. The Fourth Week
      1. Week 14- The Return of the King
  9. Appendix
    1. Scriptural and SpEx References by Week
      1. Week 1: Introduction
      2. Week 2: God’s Gifts to Us
      3. Week 3: Purpose in Life
      4. Week 4: On Sin and Hell
      5. Week 5: Personal Sin
      6. Week 6: God’s Mercy
      7. Week 7: The Call of the King
      8. Week 8: Entering into Christ’s Life
      9. Week 9: The Two Standards
      10. Week 10: Walking with Jesus
      11. Week 11: Knowledge of the Lord
      12. Week 12: The Lamentation of the Christ
      13. Week 13: The Passion of the Christ
      14. Week 14: The Return of the King
    2. B. Ignatian Tools and Techniques
      1. 1. The Suscipe (Take, Lord, and Receive)
      2. 2. The Anima Christi
      3. 3. Aspirations for Daily Prayer
      4. 4. Contemplation to Attain Divine Love (SpEx [230-237])
        1. Introduction
        2. Four Points for Reflection
        3. Closing Prayer:
    3. D. Penances and Disciplines Quick Guide
    4. E. FAQ’s
      1. 1. What if I fall behind on the schedule?
      2. 2. How do I handle spiritual dryness or desolation?
      3. 3. Can I adapt the practices for my personal circumstances?
      4. 4. What if I don’t have a lot of time for daily prayer?
      5. 5. How can I stay motivated throughout the 90 days?
      6. 6. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by the spiritual exercises?
      7. 7. How can I integrate what I learn during the retreat into my everyday life?
      8. 8. Is it okay to make changes to the schedule or exercises?
      9. 9. How do I deal with distractions during prayer?

Introduction

Welcome to the second part of your life. St. Ignatius of Loyola considered the Spiritual Exercises to be so impactful to a person’s life, that their life could be divided into two parts: their life before the Exercises, and their life after the Exercises. While generally used to help a person make an “election,” or discernment, they could also be used to strengthen one’s commitment to choosing to serve under the banner of the Cross. However they are used though, they should ultimately help someone grow closer in their relationship to God.

While the Spiritual Exercises are typically done in a 30 day silent retreat format, there are 7 day and even weekend versions of these retreats. However, the retreat may be adapted in multiple ways, and often a 4 or 6 week format is used within parishes. Ignatius90 will extend this out to approximately 14 weeks- or 90 days. During the 30 day retreat, one day will consist of 4-5 hours of prayer and meditation per day. Ignatius90 takes each day and turns it into a week’s worth of prayer and meditation, so retreatants only need to dedicate 1 hour per day to prayer.

This slower pace allows retreatants to integrate the spiritual fruits of the Exercises into their daily lives more fully. The Exercises remain structured according to the original “four weeks,” with each section emphasizing a different aspect of the retreatant’s spiritual journey. The First Week focuses on reflecting on one’s past, understanding God’s mercy, and learning how to discern His calling. The Second Week involves walking with Jesus through the Gospels, discerning where God is calling them, and choosing to follow Christ the King. The Third Week invites retreatants to unite themselves with Christ in His suffering and make an election or discernment. Finally, the Fourth Week culminates with the joy of Christ’s resurrection, empowering the retreatant to answer God’s call and live a life of service to Him and His Church.

As the Exercises end with Christ’s resurrection and ascension, so too does Ignatius90, concluding on Easter. This extended retreat offers the opportunity to not only grow closer to God but also to let His presence permeate every aspect of daily life. By its completion, retreatants should feel more adept at hearing God’s voice, more attuned to recognizing His presence, and more confident in making daily and lifelong discernments. Above all, they will carry with them the tools to continue growing spiritually and helping others on their journey toward God.

Ignatius 90 is an invitation to transformation—a journey that will challenge you to go deeper in your faith, reflect on your relationship with God, and discern how best to respond to His call in your life. By stretching the Spiritual Exercises over 90 days, this retreat offers a pace that allows for greater integration of prayer, reflection, and action into daily life. Whether you are seeking clarity in a major life decision, hoping to deepen your commitment to Christ, or simply longing to encounter God in a more profound way, Ignatius 90 provides a framework to grow in spiritual maturity. As you embark on this path, may you find yourself walking more closely with Christ, strengthened in your resolve to live a life of faith, hope, and love. Let this experience mark the beginning of a new chapter in your spiritual journey—a life lived more fully for the glory of God.

History

The Spiritual Exercises were initially devised by St. Ignatius of Loyola while he was in convalescent care, after suffering an injury from a cannonball to the leg, during the Battle of Pamplona. Following his recovery, he made a retreat with Benedictine monks at their abbey, Montserrat. From Montserrat, he left for Barcelona but took a detour through the town of Manresa, where he eventually remained for several months, continuing his convalescence at a local hospital. During this time he discovered The Imitation of Christ of Thomas à Kempis, the crown jewel of the “devotio moderna”, which however gave little grounding for an apostolic spirituality,[10] an omission Ignatius later tried to supply in his Constitutions with its focus on labor in the Lord’s vineyard. He also spent much of his time praying in a cave nearby, where he practiced rigorous asceticism. During this time Ignatius experienced a series of visions, and formulated the fundamentals of his Spiritual Exercises. He would later refine and complete the Exercises when he was a student in Paris.

The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius form the cornerstone of Ignatian Spirituality: a way of understanding and living one’s relationship with God in the world as practiced by members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Although he originally designed them to take place in the setting of a secluded retreat, during which those undergoing the exercises would be focused on nothing other than the Exercises, Ignatius also provided a model in his introductory notes for completing the Exercises over a longer period without the need of seclusion.   The Exercises were designed to be carried out while under the guidance of a spiritual director, but they were never meant only for monks or priests: Ignatius gave the Exercises for 15 years before he was ordained, and years before the Society of Jesus was founded. He saw them as an instrument for bringing about a conversion or change of heart, especially in the Reformation times in which he lived. After the Society of Jesus was formed, the Exercises became the central component of its training program. They usually take place during the first year of a two-year novitiate and during a final year of spiritual studies after ordination to the priesthood. The Exercises have also impacted the founders of other religious orders, even becoming central to their work.

Ignatius considered the examen, or spiritual self-review, to be the most important way to continue to live out the experience of the Exercises after their completion.This was of such importance to him, that he said even if a Jesuit novice should be so ill as to not be able to attend daily Mass, he should still make his twice daily Examen.

Resources

Required

Spiritual Exercises book: Draw Me Into Your Friendship by David Fleming

Bible of your choosing, preferably a Catholic edition

Journal

Suggested

Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis

Hearts on Fire, Praying with Jesuits

Reimagining the Ignatian Examen (app available)

Prayers

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me;

Body of Christ, save me;

Blood of Christ, inebriate me;

Water from the side of Christ, wash me;

Passion of Christ, strengthen me;

O good Jesus hear me;

Within your wounds hide me;

separated from you, let me never be;

From the evil one protect me;

At the hour of my death, call me;

And close to you bid me; That with your saints,

I may be praising you forever and ever.

Amen.

Suscipe

Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will,

 All that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O lord, I return it.

 All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will.

 Give me Thy love and thy grace,

 For this is sufficient for me.

Penances and Disciplines

Introduction

Spiritual Exercises (SpEx) [87]

First Note. The first note is that exterior Penances can take the form of interior or exterior penances. They are done, chiefly, for three reasons: 

  • First- as satisfaction for sins committed 
  • Second- to conquer oneself, to make sensuality obey reason and all inferior parts be subject to the superior
  • Third- to seek and find some grace or gift which the person wants and desires; as, for instance, if he desires to have interior contrition for his sins, or to weep much over them, or over His pains and sufferings which Christ our Lord suffered in His passion, or to settle some doubt in which the person finds himself

Interior

  1. Grieve for your sins and have contrition for them.
  2. Make a regular Confession.
  3. When at table, to think of Christ and His disciples at table. Imagine how He sits, eats, drinks, and talks with others and seek to imitate him. SpEx [214]
  4. When first waking, orient your mind and thoughts to God and the day before you and how you will serve Him.
  5. When falling asleep, offer the labors and fruits of your day to God and think of Our Lady and offer a Hail Mary, asking she place you with her Son.

Exterior

  1. Fast and abstain from meat on Fridays
  2. Abstain less from bread, because it is not a food as to which the appetite is used to act so inordinately, or to which temptation urges as in the case of other foods.- SpEx [210]. Or, abstain from foods which might feel more cravings or temptations for and choose something less desirable if you have the choice.
  3. Abstain from alcohol and other beverages in as much as you recognize they are either harmful, or not so harmful to you, and be honest about this.- SpEx [211]
  4. Abstain from snacks between meals and only take delicate foods that delight the senses in small portions, if at all – SpEx [212]
  5. Ensure you are eating proper, full meals so as not to fall into sickness or appear sickly to those who witness you making these Exercises.- SpEx [213]
  6. Ensure you are doing some form of physical activity as much as you are doing spiritual exercises.
  7. Abstain from materials that offer an escape or delight the imagination without spiritual growth:
    1. Social media
    2. TV
    3. Non-Christian fiction
    4. Music that does not lift the soul to God
  8. Practice Silence and Solitude when you are able.
  9. OPTIONAL: Abstain from the comforts of a bed when sleeping. Rise in the middle of the night to pray your meditations/exercises.
  10. OPTIONAL: Chastise the flesh, that is giving it sensible pain, which is given by wearing haircloth or cords or iron chains next to the flesh, by scourging or wounding yourself and by other kinds of austerity without entering the bones or causing harm or illness. – SpEx [85-86]
  11. Keep a decent outward appearance.

Weekly Meetings

Weekly meetings will take place on Day 0, or Sunday evenings. They will be a time for retreatants to gather and share their experience from the previous week and get introduced to the week ahead. They should also serve as a time for retreatants to remember that while they are undergoing the Exercises alone, they are still united to each other through the mystical Body of Christ and united in the Exercises.

Agenda

  • Gathering
  • Opening Prayer
  • Weekly Check-in/ Pulse Check
  • Questions about previous week’s meditations
  • Introduction to the week ahead
    • Some meditations or readings will be done together on Day 0
  • Closing Prayer
    • Anima Christi or Sucipe

Retreat Outline

The First Week

Week 1- Introduction

  • Day 1: Entering God’s Presence
    • Write your own preparatory prayer to be used at the beginning of each prayer period. Example:

Lord, open my heart

So that I may learn

My desires and teach me

How to live in accordance

With Your Will

Amen

  • Read Presence of God sheet- Considerations
  • Choose 1
    • 1 John 4-11 God’s love for us
    • Mark 6:45-52 The storm at sea
  • Day 2: Nature as God’s Creation
    • Any Special memories or experiences from your life?
      • Psalm 8 What is a human being?
      • Psalm 104: Creation is glorious
  • Day 3: Pray over Memories
    • The first part of my Life (How have I been loved, become the person I am?
      • Jeremiah 29: 11-13 I know the plans I have for you
      • Psalm 139 I am fearfully and wonderfully made
      • Hosea 11: 1-4, 8-9 When Israel was a child, I loved him.
  • Day 4: Prayer over Memories
    • The Second part of my life
      • John 1:29-42 What are you looking for?
      • Isaiah 43:1-7 Fear not, I am with you.
  • Day 5: Repetition
    • Choose a moment from this week when you felt greater consolation or Desolation or greater spiritual appreciation
  • Day 6 & 7- Days of repose. Rest. Go to Mass

Week 2- God’s Gifts to Us

  • Day 1: Prayer over my Gifts
    • What God sees, what others see, what I see
    • Lamentations 3:16-26: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
    • Continue to use the history of your life
  • Day 2: God Invites us
    • Isaiah 55: God gives freely and effectively
  • Day 3 How God Sees Us
    • Isaiah 43:1-7- You are precious in my eyes
    • Matthew 6:25-34
  • Day 4 Principle and Foundation
    • Spiritual Exercises(SpEx) [23]: The First Principle and Foundation
  • Day 5 Repetition- P&F
    • Yes, it’s that important, read it and pray with it again

Week 3- Purpose in Life

  • Day 1: On Creation
    • Choose 1 or 2:
      • Genesis 1: First account of Creation
      • Genesis 2: Second account of creation
      • Romans 8: 35-39: Nothing will separate us from the love of Christ
      • Jeremiah 1:4-10: Be not afraid…For I am with you
      • Isaiah 9: 1-6: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light
  • Day 2: On Freedom
    • Choose one or two:
      • Deuteronomy 30: 15-20: I can choose life or death
      • Mark 10: 17-31: We are free to respond to God
      • Philippians 2: 1-11: Christ did not cling to his equality with God
      • Pilippians 3: 7-14: All I want is to know Christ
      • Revelation 21: 1-7: God’s desire is to live with us always
  • Day 3: repetition from Day 1 or 2
  • Day 4: Free Write
    • Write a psalm about God’s love and blessing of creation
    • OR write your own Principle and Foundation.
    • Pray over what you have written.
  • Day 5: Repetition of the week.

Week 4- On Sin and Hell

  • Day 1- First Exercise
    • Read SpEx 45-54 on the focus for these days of prayer
    • Pay attention to the Colloquy SpEx 53-54
  • Day 2: The Sin of Angels (read both)
    • SpEx. 50
    • Revelation 12: 7-12
  • Day 3: The Sin of Adam and Eve (read both)
    • SpEx 51
    • Genesis 3:1-19
  • Day 4: The Sin of Man
    • Genesis 4: 1-16: Cain and Abel
  • Day 5: The Person Who Goes to Hell
    • SpEx 52
    • 2 Samuel 11, 12:1-23: King David and Bathsheba
    •  OR
    • Luke 22:31-34, 54-63
  • Day 6: Repetition of the week

Week 5: Personal Sin

You may want to make a confession after this week

  • Day 0- Daily Examen
    • SpEx 24-26- Contemporary Reading: Particular and Daily Examen and relationship to P& F -Fleming
    • SpEx 44- About Confession
  • Day 1: 2nd Exercise
    • Read SpEx 55-61
  • Day 2- Personal Sin
    • See Handout on Personal sin and Choose 1 point of consideration
  • Day 3- My Core Sinfulness
    • What is my “Core sinfulness”?.
    • Use SpEx 53- Talking with the Crucified Christ for this prayer
  • Day 4- My Own Death
    • Read handout on Praying about my own Death.
    • Memento Mori.
  • Day 5- Hell
    • Read SpeEx 65-71: and Handout on Mediation on Hell
  • Day 6- Repetition of the Week

Week 6- God’s Mercy

  • Day 1- God Heals
    • Choose 1
      • Psalm 51: Petition for a new spirit
      • Mark 10:46-52: Healing of the blind Bartimaeus
      • Luke 7:11-17: Raising of the widow’s son
      • John 11:1-44: Raising of Lazarus
  • Day 2- Repetition of Day 1
    • God wants to heal you
  • Day 3- Jesus’ Love
    • Choose 1
      • Mark 10:13-16: Jesus and the children
      • Luke 7: 36-50: A sinful woman forgiven
      • John 15: 1-12: The vine and the branches
      • Romans 8:1-13: God does what the Law could not
  • Day 4- Repetition of Day 3
  • Day 5- God’s Mercy
    • Choose 1
      • Ephesians 2: 1-10: We are God’s work of art
      • Luke 13:10-17: Jesus heals a crippled woman
      • Isaiah 54: The Lord calls you back
      • Romans 8:28-39: What will separate us from God
  • Day 6: Repetition of the Week

The Second Week

Week 7- The Call of the King

  • Day 1- Discernment of Spirits
    • Read SpEx 313-327 on the Discernment of Spirits
  • Day 2- Focus on Jesus
    • Both
      • Romans 13:8-14: Make no provisions for the desires of the flesh 
      • Philippians 4: 4-9: Rejoice in the Lord always
  • Day  3- Review of the First Week
    • Luke 12:22-34: Where your treasure is, there, too, is your heart
    • Where is your treasure?
  • Day 4- Call of the King pt1
    • Re-read SpEx.23- Principle & Foundation
    • Call of the King Meditation (part 1)- see handout
    • Romans 8:19-22 OR Colossians 1:24-27
  • Day 5- Call of the King pt. 2
    • Read Call of the King meditation (part 2)- see handout
    • Psalm 95 or John 10:1-18
  • Day 6- Repetition
    • Repetition of Call of the King Meditation

Week 8- Entering into Christ’s Life

  • Day 1- Incarnation and Annunciation
    • SpEx. 101-109
    • Luke 1:26-38
  • Day 2- The Nativity
    • Sp. Ex 110-117
    • Luke 2:1-14
  • Day 3-The Presentation in the Temple
    • Luke 2:21-38
  • Day 4-  Epiphany/ Flight into Exile/ Role of Mary & Joseph/ Herod/ the 3 wise men
    • Mathew 2: 1-23
  • Day 5- Repetition
    • [120]
  • Day 6- Application of the senses
    • SpEx 121-126- Praying with the senses

Week 9- The Two Standards

  • Day 1- Meditation on The Two Standards
    • SpEx. 136-148
      • Triple Colloquy #147
  • Day 2- Repetition of 1
  • Day 3- Meditative Reading- Choose 1
    • Ephesians 6:10-20: Grow Strong in the Lord…Resist the Devil’s tactics
    • Galatians 5:16-25: Be guided by the Spirit
    • James 1:2-8: Have patience in trials
  • Day 4- Repetition of 3
  • Day 5- The Three Types of Person
    • Sp.Ex. 149-157

Week 10- Walking with Jesus

  • Day 1- The Baptism of the Lord
    • SpEx 273
    • Matthew 3:13-17
  • Day 2- The Temptations of Jesus
    • Luke 4:1-13
    • Matthew 4: 1-11
  • Day 3- Repetition
  • Day 4- Three Kinds of Humility
    • SpEx- 165-168- Three Kinds of Humility
  • Day 5- Application of the Senses/ Repetition of the week

Week 11- Knowledge of the Lord

  • Day 1- The call of Peter
    • Luke 5-1:11
  • Day 2- Jesus walks on water
    • Matthew 14:22-33
  • Day 3- The Cure of the Centurion’s Servant
    • Luke 7:1-10
  • Day 4- The Conversion of the Penitent Woman
    • Luke 7:36-50
  • Day 5-  Application of the Senses
    • Review 2 Standards
    • 3 Kinds of Humility
    • 3 Types of Persons
  • Day 6- Renewal or Recommitment to a State of Life Already Chosen
    • Sp.Ex 189
    • Luke 5: 1-11
    • Why am I in my specific mode of life at this time?
    • What does this mean for me in its greatest depth?
    • What are obstacles preventing me from living out this call?
    • To what concrete measures do I find the Lord calling me in order to overcome these obstacles?
    • What is the basic theme that has arisen from this retreat?

The Third Week

Week 12- The Lamentation of the Christ

  • Day 1- Jesus’ Emotions
    • Luke 19: 412-48- Expulsion of the traders
    • Luke 20: 45-47- Jesus condemns the scribes
  • Day 2- Generosity
    • Luke 21:1-4- Jesus asks us to give generously of all we have
    • Luke 21: 34-38- Be watchful
  • Day 3 Repetition
  • Day 4- The Lamentation of the Christ
    • John 11: 1-45- Raising of Lazarus (Prelude to Holy Week)
  • Day 5- Repetition

Week 13- The Passion of the Christ

  • Day 0- Jesus Enters Jerusalem
    • Luke 19: 28-40
  • Day 1- Washing of the Disciples’ Feet
    • John 13: 1-17
  • Day 2- The Last Supper
    • Luke 22: 1-38
  • Day 3- The Garden of Gethsemane
    • SpEx 200-203
    • Luke 22:39-46
  • Day 4- Jesus’s Arrest and Peter’s denial
    • Luke 22:47-71
    • Luke 23: 1-25
    • Sit with Jesus in the pit and cell before he is to die
  • Day 5- The Passion of the Lord
    • Luke 23:26-49
  • Day 6- Tomb day

The Fourth Week

Week 14- The Return of the King

  • Day 0- Christ is Risen, Halleluja!
    • Pray the Exultet
    • SpEx 218-225
    • Luke 24: 1-12
  • Day 1- Will I recognize Christ? How is He calling me
    • Emmaus
      • Luke 24:13-35
    • Peter’s Calling
      • John 21:15-19
  • Day 2- 6: Repetition on the retreat
    • SpEx 230-237- Contemplation to Gain Love
    • SpEx 352-370- Guidelines for Thinking with the Church Today
    • Did any meditations or scripture passage stand out in a particular way?

Appendix

Scriptural and SpEx References by Week

Week 1: Introduction

  • Day 1:
    • Scripture: 1 John 4:11, Mark 6:45-52
    • SpEx: [Presence of God considerations]
  • Day 2:
    • Scripture: Psalm 8, Psalm 104
  • Day 3:
    • Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13, Psalm 139, Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9
  • Day 4:
    • Scripture: John 1:29-42, Isaiah 43:1-7
  • Day 5:
    • SpEx: Repetition (no new references)

Week 2: God’s Gifts to Us

  • Day 1:
    • Scripture: Lamentations 3:16-26
    • SpEx: SpEx [72-90]
  • Day 2:
    • Scripture: Isaiah 55
  • Day 3:
    • Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7, Matthew 6:25-34
  • Day 4:
    • SpEx: Principle and Foundation (SpEx [23])
  • Day 5:
    • SpEx: Repetition of Principle and Foundation

Week 3: Purpose in Life

  • Day 1:
    • Scripture: Genesis 1, Genesis 2, Romans 8:35-39, Jeremiah 1:4-10, Isaiah 9:1-6
  • Day 2:
    • Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Mark 10:17-31, Philippians 2:1-11, Philippians 3:7-14, Revelation 21:1-7
  • Day 3:
    • SpEx: Repetition
  • Day 4:
    • Exercise: Write a personal psalm or Principle and Foundation.
  • Day 5:
    • SpEx: Repetition of the week

Week 4: On Sin and Hell

  • Day 1:
    • SpEx: SpEx [45-54], Colloquy (SpEx [53-54])
  • Day 2:
    • Scripture: Revelation 12:7-12
    • SpEx: SpEx [50]
  • Day 3:
    • Scripture: Genesis 3:1-19
    • SpEx: SpEx [51]
  • Day 4:
    • Scripture: Genesis 4:1-16
  • Day 5:
    • Scripture: 2 Samuel 11-12, Luke 22:31-34, 54-63
    • SpEx: SpEx [52]

Week 5: Personal Sin

  • Day 0:
    • SpEx: SpEx [44], Daily Examen notes
  • Day 1:
    • SpEx: SpEx [55-61]
  • Day 2:
    • Exercise: Personal Sin considerations (handout provided).
  • Day 3:
    • SpEx: SpEx [53] (Talking with the Crucified Christ)
  • Day 4:
    • Exercise: Reflection on death (Memento Mori handout).
  • Day 5:
    • SpEx: SpEx [65-71] (Meditation on Hell)

Week 6: God’s Mercy

  • Day 1:
    • Scripture: Psalm 51, Mark 10:46-52, Luke 7:11-17, John 11:1-44
  • Day 2:
    • SpEx: Repetition of Day 1
  • Day 3:
    • Scripture: Mark 10:13-16, Luke 7:36-50, John 15:1-12, Romans 8:1-13
  • Day 4:
    • SpEx: Repetition of Day 3
  • Day 5:
    • Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10, Luke 13:10-17, Isaiah 54, Romans 8:28-3

Week 7: The Call of the King

  • Day 1:
    • SpEx: SpEx [313-327] (Discernment of Spirits)
  • Day 2:
    • Scripture: Romans 13:8-14, Philippians 4:4-9
  • Day 3:
    • Scripture: Luke 12:22-34
  • Day 4:
    • SpEx: Principle and Foundation (SpEx [23])
    • Exercise: Call of the King Meditation (Part 1)
    • Scripture: Romans 8:19-22, Colossians 1:24-27
  • Day 5:
    • Exercise: Call of the King Meditation (Part 2)
    • Scripture: Psalm 95, John 10:1-18

Week 8: Entering into Christ’s Life

  • Day 1:
    • SpEx: SpEx [101-109] (Incarnation and Annunciation)
    • Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
  • Day 2:
    • SpEx: SpEx [110-117] (The Nativity)
    • Scripture: Luke 2:1-14
  • Day 3:
    • Scripture: Luke 2:21-38 (The Presentation in the Temple)
  • Day 4:
    • Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23 (Epiphany, Flight into Egypt, etc.)
  • Day 5:
    • SpEx: Repetition
  • Day 6:
    • SpEx: SpEx [121-126] (Application of the Senses)

Week 9: The Two Standards

  • Day 1:
    • SpEx: SpEx [136-148] (Meditation on the Two Standards, Triple Colloquy SpEx [147])
  • Day 2:
    • SpEx: Repetition of Day 1
  • Day 3:
    • Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, Galatians 5:16-25, James 1:2-8
  • Day 4:
    • SpEx: Repetition of Day 3
  • Day 5:
    • SpEx: SpEx [149-157] (The Three Types of Persons)

Week 10: Walking with Jesus

  • Day 1:
    • SpEx: SpEx [273] (The Baptism of the Lord)
    • Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17
  • Day 2:
    • Scripture: Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 4:1-11 (The Temptations of Jesus)
  • Day 3:
    • SpEx: Repetition of Days 1 and 2
  • Day 4:
    • SpEx: SpEx [165-168] (The Three Kinds of Humility)
  • Day 5:
    • SpEx: Application of the Senses

Week 11: Knowledge of the Lord

  • Day 1:
    • Scripture: Luke 5:1-11 (The Call of Peter)
  • Day 2:
    • Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33 (Jesus Walks on Water)
  • Day 3:
    • Scripture: Luke 7:1-10 (Cure of the Centurion’s Servant)
  • Day 4:
    • Scripture: Luke 7:36-50 (Conversion of the Penitent Woman)
  • Day 5:
    • SpEx: Review of Two Standards, Three Kinds of Humility, and Three Types of Persons
  • Day 6:
    • SpEx: SpEx [189] (Renewal/Recommitment to State of Life)

Week 12: The Lamentation of the Christ

  • Day 0:
    • SpEx. SpEx [206]
  • Day 1:
    • Scripture: Luke 19: 412-48- Expulsion of the traders
    • Scripture: Luke 20: 45-47- Jesus condemns the scribes
  • Day 2:
    • Scripture: Luke 21:1-4 (Jesus asks us to give generously of all we have)
    • Scripture: Luke 21: 34-38 (Be watchful)
  • Day 3:
    • SpEx: Repetition
  • Day 4:
    • Scripture: John 11: 1-45- Raising of Lazarus (Prelude to Holy Week)
  • Day 5:

Spex: Repetition

Week 13: The Passion of the Christ

  • Day 0:
    • Scripture: Luke 19:28-40 (Jesus Enters Jerusalem)
  • Day 1:
    • Scripture: John 13:1-17 (Washing of the Disciples’ Feet)
  • Day 2:
    • Scripture: Luke 22:1-38 (The Last Supper)
  • Day 3:
    • SpEx: SpEx [200-203]
    • Scripture: Luke 22:39-46 (The Garden of Gethsemane)
  • Day 4:
    • Scripture: Luke 22:47-71, Luke 23:1-25 (Jesus’ Arrest, Peter’s Denial, Jesus Before Pilate)
  • Day 5:
    • Scripture: Luke 23:26-49 (The Passion of the Lord)
  • Day 6:
    • Exercise: Tomb Day (Silent reflection)

Week 14: The Return of the King

  • Day 0:
    • SpEx: SpEx [218-225]
    • Scripture: Luke 24:1-12 (Christ is Risen)
  • Day 1:
    • Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 (Emmaus), John 21:15-19 (Peter’s Reconciliation)
  • Days 2-6:
    • SpEx: SpEx [230-237]
    • SpEx: SpEx [352-370]
    • SpEx: Repetition on the entire retreat

B. Ignatian Tools and Techniques

  1. The Examen:
    • Begin with gratitude: Recall moments to thank God.
    • Review your day: Where did you feel God’s presence?
    • Seek forgiveness: Acknowledge moments of failure and ask for grace.
    • Look ahead: Ask for God’s guidance tomorrow.
    • Close with an Our Father.
  2. The Colloquy:
    • Imagine a conversation with Mary, Jesus, or the Father.
    • Speak freely about your fears, joys, and hopes.
    • Listen quietly, allowing their presence to guide you.
  3. The Triple Colloqy
    • Begin your conversation with Mary.
    • Speak to her about your desires, fears, hopes, or joys.
    • Listen quietly to what she has to say
    • With Mary, bring these to Jesus. 
    • Speak with Him about the same.
    • Listen quietly to what He has to say.
    • With Mary and Jesus, bring the same to God.
    • Speak with Him about the same.
    • Listen to what He has to say.

C. Prayer Resources

1. The Suscipe (Take, Lord, and Receive)

This classic Ignatian prayer is often used as a culmination of the Spiritual Exercises and expresses total surrender to God’s will:

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will—
all that I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace.
That is enough for me.

2. The Anima Christi

This beautiful prayer is often used at the beginning or end of meditation:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.
Within your wounds, hide me.
Separated from you, let me never be.
From the evil one, protect me.
At the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me to come to you,
that with your saints, I may praise you forever and ever. Amen.

3. Aspirations for Daily Prayer

Short, heartfelt prayers to recenter throughout the day:

  • “Lord, teach me to love You with my whole heart.”
  • “Jesus, help me to see as You see.”
  • “Holy Spirit, guide me in Your wisdom.”

4. Contemplation to Attain Divine Love (SpEx [230-237])

This final exercise of the Spiritual Exercises is designed to inflame the retreatant’s heart with gratitude and love for God. It can be prayed toward the end of the retreat or any time a deeper sense of God’s love is desired.

Introduction
  • Begin by recognizing how God loves you unconditionally and continually blesses you.
  • Ask for the grace to love Him more deeply and serve Him more fully in all things.
Four Points for Reflection
  1. God’s Gifts in Creation:
    Reflect on how all of creation—nature, people, your talents—are gifts given out of love for you.
    • “Lord, You have given me everything. How can I return Your love?”
  2. God’s Presence in All Things:
    Meditate on how God sustains all creation and dwells within you and the world.
    • “You are with me in all things, Lord. Help me to find You today.”
  3. God’s Work in the World:
    Consider how God actively works in your life and history, always striving for your good.
    • “Thank You, Lord, for all the ways You labor for my salvation.”
  4. God’s Self-Gift in Jesus:
    Reflect on how God’s ultimate gift of love is Jesus Christ, who gave His life for you.
    • “You held nothing back, Lord. Teach me to give myself as generously.”
Closing Prayer:

Pray the Suscipe (above), offering all that you are and have to God in loving surrender.

D. Penances and Disciplines Quick Guide

DisciplineFrequencyDescriptionNotes
Fast and abstain from meat on FridayWeekly (fridays)Abstaining from meat as an act of penitence, recalling Christ’s sacrifice on Friday and participating in the traditional penance of the Church.Can also include abstinence from other foods if desired.
Abstain from snacks between mealsDailyAvoid snacking to foster self-discipline and help focus on spiritual nourishment rather than physical indulgence.Only eat at designated meal times.
Abstain from alcohol and other beveragesAs NeededRefrain from consuming alcohol, or other beverages, particularly when it is not conducive to your spiritual health or when it becomes a form of distractionCan be a temporary fast or long-term commitment, based on discernment.
Eat only simple foods (no snacks, limit indulgence)DailyChoose simple, nourishing foods that do not overwhelm the senses or foster attachment to comfort.Avoid overly rich, sugary, or indulgent foods unless necessary.
Physical activityDailyIncorporate some form of physical activity (e.g., walking, stretching, or exercise) to maintain balance in body and spirit.Exercise should be moderate and purposeful.
Abstain from social mediaDailyRefrain from social media to focus on deeper prayer, reflection, and connection with God.Can be a complete fast or limited time per day.
Abstain from non-Christian entertainmentDailyAvoid forms of entertainment (TV, movies, fiction, etc) that do not uplift the soul or deepen spiritual growthReplace with edifying reading, music, or prayer
Regular ConfessionWeekly or Bi-weeklyMake regular confession to maintain a spirit of humility and ongoing purification.Helps keep a clear conscience and focus on God’s mercy.
Practice Silence and SolitudeDailySet aside times of silence and solitude each day for reflection, prayer, and listening to God.This time should be free from distractions and focused on God.
Optional: Chastise the Flesh.AS NEEDEDOPTIONALWear simple, uncomfortable clothing or accessories, such as a haircloth or a cord, to practice mortification of the flesh and remain vigilant to temptations of comfort.Should not cause harm or illness.
Optional: Sleep without comforts (e.g., hard bed)Weekly (Optional)Sleep on a harder surface or limit sleep comforts to detach from worldly comforts and practice self-denial.Helps deepen humility and awareness of material attachment.

E. FAQ’s

1. What if I fall behind on the schedule?

Answer:
It’s okay if you fall behind on the schedule! This retreat is about deepening your relationship with God, not about adhering to a strict timeline. If you miss a day, simply continue from where you left off, and if possible, reflect on what you missed when you’re able. The goal is consistent prayer and reflection, not perfection. Remember, God meets us where we are, and He doesn’t expect us to be perfect—He only asks that we show up and seek Him with an open heart.

2. How do I handle spiritual dryness or desolation?

Answer:
Experiencing spiritual dryness or desolation is a normal part of the spiritual journey. When this happens, it’s important to:

  • Acknowledge it: Don’t be discouraged—spiritual dryness often happens when God is calling us to deeper trust and surrender.
  • Persevere in prayer: Even if you don’t feel God’s presence, continue your practices. God may be teaching you to love Him in ways that are beyond feeling.
  • Seek support: Consider discussing your desolation with a spiritual director or trusted person to help you discern what God might be doing in this season.
  • Look for the small consolations: Sometimes, consolation may come in subtle ways, like a deep peace after a time of prayer or a moment of clarity. Pay attention to these gentle movements of the Spirit.

3. Can I adapt the practices for my personal circumstances?

Answer:
Yes! The Spiritual Exercises are deeply personal, and adaptations are encouraged where necessary. The penances and disciplines are meant to foster growth, not cause harm. If any aspect of the retreat doesn’t align with your health, family life, or spiritual needs, feel free to adapt. For example, if fasting is difficult, try a different form of penance, like abstaining from a particular food or practice that is more challenging for you. Discussing your adaptations with a spiritual director can also provide valuable insight.

4. What if I don’t have a lot of time for daily prayer?

Answer:
The retreat is designed with flexibility in mind. If you have a busy schedule, aim to dedicate at least 20-30 minutes per day to prayer and reflection. You can also break it into shorter sessions throughout the day—perhaps a brief prayer in the morning, a moment of reflection during lunch, and another in the evening. The key is consistency, not length. Even small moments of prayer can help you stay connected to God.

5. How can I stay motivated throughout the 90 days?

Answer:
Motivation can fluctuate, but staying committed is more important than feeling constantly inspired. To stay on track:

  • Set realistic goals and track your progress.
  • Join a group or find an accountability partner who is also doing the retreat. Sharing your experience with others can be uplifting and encouraging.
  • Be gentle with yourself. If you miss a day or struggle, it’s okay. Just pick up where you left off.
  • Remember the fruits of the retreat: Reflect on how God is changing you throughout the journey, even in small ways. This can help reignite your desire to continue.
  • Celebrate milestones: At the end of each week, take time to reflect on what you’ve experienced. Celebrate the progress, even the small victories.

6. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by the spiritual exercises?

Answer:
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when doing deep spiritual work. Here’s how to manage:

  • Take things one step at a time. Focus on the current exercise or day, not the whole retreat.
  • Simplify the exercises. If a particular meditation feels too difficult or intense, focus on the aspects that are most accessible to you in the moment. Even a brief prayer of gratitude or a simple scripture reading can bear great fruit.
  • Take breaks as needed. If you need to rest or step back from a particular exercise, do so without guilt. Sometimes the most meaningful moments come when we allow ourselves space to breathe.
  • Talk to a spiritual director. If you’re struggling, share your feelings with a spiritual director or a trusted advisor. They can provide helpful perspective and guidance.

7. How can I integrate what I learn during the retreat into my everyday life?

Answer:
The retreat is not just about deepening your spiritual life for 90 days; it’s about transformation. To integrate the fruits of the retreat:

  • Continue the practices: After the retreat, make the Examen, daily prayer, and other exercises part of your ongoing routine.
  • Keep a journal: Journaling your experiences and insights during the retreat can help you track your spiritual growth and apply what you’ve learned long after the retreat ends.
  • Live out your call: Ask God how you can live more intentionally in service to others and align your actions with His will. Small changes in how you interact with others, prioritize prayer, and make decisions can make a big difference.
  • Build community: Share what you’ve learned with others. Whether it’s within your family, parish, or a group of friends, keeping your spiritual growth alive in community can help you stay focused on your ongoing journey with Christ.

8. Is it okay to make changes to the schedule or exercises?

Answer:
Yes, the schedule and exercises are meant to be adaptable to your life and needs. If something isn’t working for you, feel free to adjust it. For example, if you feel a particular exercise is too challenging, you can take a step back and revisit it later, or adjust the penance to something more achievable for your current spiritual and physical state. Always remember to discuss any significant changes with your spiritual director to ensure they align with the spirit of the Exercises.

9. How do I deal with distractions during prayer?

Answer:
Distractions are a natural part of prayer, and it’s important not to be discouraged by them. Here’s how to handle them:

  • Acknowledge them without judgment: Simply notice the distraction and gently return your focus to God.
  • Offer your distractions to God: You can say, “Lord, I offer these distractions to You. Help me focus on You and Your will.”

Be patient: Over time, the distractions will lessen as you grow more accustomed to focused prayer.

  1. Ignatius90
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Introduction
  4. History
  5. Resources
    1. Required
    2. Suggested
    3. Prayers
      1. Anima Christi
      2. Suscipe
  6. Penances and Disciplines
    1. Introduction
      1. Spiritual Exercises (SpEx) [87]
    2. Interior
    3. Exterior
  7. Weekly Meetings
    1. Agenda
  8. Retreat Outline
    1. The First Week
      1. Week 1- Introduction
      2. Week 2- God’s Gifts to Us
      3. Week 3- Purpose in Life
      4. Week 4- On Sin and Hell
      5. Week 5: Personal Sin
      6. Week 6- God’s Mercy
    2. The Second Week
      1. Week 7- The Call of the King
      2. Week 8- Entering into Christ’s Life
      3. Week 9- The Two Standards
      4. Week 10- Walking with Jesus
      5. Week 11- Knowledge of the Lord
    3. The Third Week
      1. Week 12- The Lamentation of the Christ
      2. Week 13- The Passion of the Christ
    4. The Fourth Week
      1. Week 14- The Return of the King
  9. Appendix
    1. Scriptural and SpEx References by Week
      1. Week 1: Introduction
      2. Week 2: God’s Gifts to Us
      3. Week 3: Purpose in Life
      4. Week 4: On Sin and Hell
      5. Week 5: Personal Sin
      6. Week 6: God’s Mercy
      7. Week 7: The Call of the King
      8. Week 8: Entering into Christ’s Life
      9. Week 9: The Two Standards
      10. Week 10: Walking with Jesus
      11. Week 11: Knowledge of the Lord
      12. Week 12: The Lamentation of the Christ
      13. Week 13: The Passion of the Christ
      14. Week 14: The Return of the King
    2. B. Ignatian Tools and Techniques
      1. 1. The Suscipe (Take, Lord, and Receive)
      2. 2. The Anima Christi
      3. 3. Aspirations for Daily Prayer
      4. 4. Contemplation to Attain Divine Love (SpEx [230-237])
        1. Introduction
        2. Four Points for Reflection
        3. Closing Prayer:
    3. D. Penances and Disciplines Quick Guide
    4. E. FAQ’s
      1. 1. What if I fall behind on the schedule?
      2. 2. How do I handle spiritual dryness or desolation?
      3. 3. Can I adapt the practices for my personal circumstances?
      4. 4. What if I don’t have a lot of time for daily prayer?
      5. 5. How can I stay motivated throughout the 90 days?
      6. 6. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by the spiritual exercises?
      7. 7. How can I integrate what I learn during the retreat into my everyday life?
      8. 8. Is it okay to make changes to the schedule or exercises?
      9. 9. How do I deal with distractions during prayer?

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