I’ve been doing a little reading this Lent. One of the books is a slender volume entitled The Ignatian Workout by Tim Muldoon (Loyola Press). There he describes a helpful exercise for anyone wanting to bring themselves to God in prayer.
He points out the fact that each of us has a history of events and experiences that shape who we are and how we perceive the world. The point is to become aware of “what’s in our bag” as we ask God to meet us in prayer.
One of St. Ignatius’s famous prayers begins: “Take Lord, receive, all my memory.” The questions that follow are meant to open your memory bank to see some of the major factors that have made you who you are.
Some point to moments of happiness that have encouraged you along the way. Some questions ask about some of the darker, painful events in your life. (These are remembered not to make us sad all over again. They’re meant just to remind us “that this too has happened.” Recall them and . . . Know you are safe with Him.)
These are Muldoon’s questions (Page 31):
Can you name one or two high points in your life?
Can you name one or two low points?
Ever felt God was trying to tell you something?
Who are the people who loved you for who you really are?
What experience in your life has caused you the most suffering?
What has given you the greatest happiness?
What experiences have most formed the person you are today?
Who have been your heroes?
Who are the people you’ve hated the most?
What did you learn about God from your family?
Who in your life was an example of saintliness?
How would you finish this sentence: “So far, life for me has been . . .”?
What have been the most fun experiences of your life?
What talents do you have? How have you used them?
Don’t try to answer them all. But some will “stick out ” with a special feeling and vivid memory. Take some time with them. The point is not to make us happy or sad again. The point is to own them and how they have shaped us. (Remember . . . God knows these things about you and accepts you just as you are. Let His gentle Spirit lead you to Him).
Let me give you an example of how this memory exercise can help your prayer. To the question, “Who have been your heroes?”, I can honestly say I’ve been given several men and women who have been examples of heroic courage and yet great gentleness and kindness.
I truly am blessed with the memory of these people and how they have touched my life. And how do they help me bring myself to God in prayer? They make me grateful to God for giving them to me. They provide a model for what I want to become for God. Sometimes I picture them sitting in the bleachers urging me on as I sit with God in prayer! Goofy, eh?!
So what’s in your bag? Don’t be afraid of it. It’s part of who you are. But remember, God’s not done with you yet!
Oh Happy Lent! God loves you more than you know.
Fr. Tim
Scripture Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent
First Reading: Joshua 5:9a, 10-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32
Scripture Readings for the 5th Sunday in Lent
First Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-6
Second Reading: Philippians 3:8-14
Gospel: John 8:1-11
