Support Materials

The Spiritual Exercises
Ignatian Method of Discernment

Steps of Formation

First Occasion
(1) When God moves our will in alignment with His

Second Occasion
(2) Through contemplative prayer we examine both past and present experiences looking for:
• Consolation (harmony)- experiences that move us towards God, away from self-focus, and towards others
• Desolations (discord)- experiences that move us away from God, towards self-focus, and closing us off from others

Third Occasion
(3) Step One- Create an Advantages/Disadvantages List, questioning if this will bring us closer to our purpose
• To praise and glorify our Lord
• The refashioning our souls into the likeness of Christ
(4) Step Two- in a quiet and comfortable place close your eyes and while in prayer begin the visualization process
• Offering your decision to God. Is there a life-giving sense of joy or unrest?
• Picture advising someone else to make the choice you are considering. Are you at peace with this person receiving your advice?
• Imagine you’ve died and your decision is part of your eulogy. Do you want to be remembered by this decision?
• Visualize you are standing before the Judgment Seat of God. Do you see this as being on your list of good or poor choices?