Spiritual Direction and
The Spiritual Exercises
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual direction is a gentle space within the bustle of daily life. You are invited to come, slow down, and listen to what is happening inside of you. You will find someone who listens with you and knows how to ask questions that open opportunities for discovery.
Spiritual direction is a sacred space:
- You are free to explore your longings without judgment.
- You can discover what is beautiful about your life right now.
- You are welcome to bring your questions, fears, doubts, regrets, and decisions.
- You are invited to savor joy and celebrate little moments that are easily rushed past.
- You are welcome to grieve.
- You learn to name what is true.
“When we intentionally put ourselves in a position of receptivity and attention, God will attend to us. We will find what our souls need.” — Tracy Balzer, A Journey of Sea and Stone
True spiritual direction is almost mis-named, because it’s not “directive.” Together we will listen for what it is that you want and what it is that you need. Together we will listen and look for where God might be meeting you in the details of your life. Often the fruit of spiritual direction is clarity.
Trained in Ignatian spirituality, my role is to be a companion on your journey. The true director is the Holy Spirit. I will accompany you in your search for what is true and holy. Together, we will lean in and pay attention to where you are invited into growth, freedom, and love.
“Becoming a seeker brings us alive spiritually. We come alive to the mystery of ourselves, of those around us, of the world in which we live, and above all, of the active presence of God permeating all things.” — Trevor Hudson, Seeking God
The Spiritual Exercises
It is one thing to read about God. It is another thing entirely to encounter God.
“Only those open to becoming intentional seekers discover the radiant life that God wants to give us.” — Trevor Hudson, Seeking God
In the 16th century, suffering from a serious injury caused by a cannon ball, St. Ignatius of Loyola awakened to God’s desire for friendship. It’s a remarkable conversion story full of unexpected moments and permeated with God’s grace. During his long recovery, Ignatius discovered his own deep longing for life with God. For him, it was the beginning of a great adventure!
St. Ignatius wrote out directions for a retreat in which you experience God. We call it The Spiritual Exercises, with the aim of encountering the Triune God of love who longs to live in friendship with you and me. The Spiritual Exercises are not designed as a book to be read, but as a journey that you walk through with an experienced director.
The Spiritual Exercises take you on a walk with the Holy Spirit
- It is a way to grow and expand your prayer life.
- It is a pathway for spiritual formation.
- It is a way to grow in friendship with God.
Originally written as a 30-day retreat, Ignatius realized that not everyone could leave work and set aside 30 days for a spiritual retreat. So, he added an amendment to his original retreat plan. He made a way for everyone to experience the fullness of The Spiritual Exercises in their own contexts. It’s alternately referred to as the “The Retreat in Everyday Life,” the 19th annotation of the Spiritual Exercises, or Extended Ignatian Exercises (EIE for short).
For about 9 months, you dedicate an hour each day to spend with God in prayer.
During that time, you will learn to pray through Scripture, journaling, and reflection. You learn how to engage your mind, your heart, and your imagination in prayer.
Meeting periodically with a spiritual director trained to give the Exercises is important. This is not a typical study. It’s a way of moving deeper and deeper into God’s love. Together you will listen for the ways the Holy Spirit is at work in your life and meeting you in prayer.
An Ignatian-trained director can see what others miss as you travel through the Exercises together.
“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, falling in love in a quite absolute and final way.” — Pedro Arrupe, SJ
“The most important qualities in the person who enters into these exercises are openness, generosity, and courage.” — David L. Fleming, Draw Me Into Your Friendship
How do you know if you are ready for the Exercises?
- Do you wonder where God might be present in your busy, ordinary life?
- Do you want to grow your prayer life?
- Are you willing to commit about an hour each day to spend with God?
- Have you wondered how Jesus might be inviting you into partnership?
- Do you desire to grow your relationship with God?
- Are you ready to embark on your own adventure with God?
If these questions resonate with you, the Spiritual Exercises might be for you.
Credentials
I hold an MA in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas. I completed my training in spiritual direction and directing the Spiritual Exercises through Sacred Ground Center for Spirituality in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Contact
If you are interested in learning more about spiritual direction or the Ignatian exercises contact me at jenniferknicholswriting@gmail.com
Confidentiality
Spiritual direction is confidential. Unless required by law or ordered by a court, I will not share the content of our time together. I adhere to the Spiritual Directors International Guidelines for Ethical Conduct.