St. Ignatius writes: “When contemplation or meditation is on something visible, for example, when we contemplate Christ our Lord, the representation will consist in seeing in imagination the material place where the object is that we wish to contemplate…” (SE 47)
Ignatian Meditation
Mental Prayer: By reading and re-reading a selection, we seek to discover on each reading more of an understanding of what God is reveling to us. In this discursive process, we reflect upon what thoughts, images, memories, or insights are brought to mind. We now listen with our heart using our intellect and memory.
Reading: What does the text say?
Reflecting: What is God saying to me through the text?
Responding in Prayer: What do I want to say to God about the text?
Action: What do I want to do based on this prayer time?
Ignatian Contemplation
In the Ignatian tradition, praying with the imagination is called contemplation. In the Exercises, contemplation is a very active way of praying that engages the mind and heart and stirs up thoughts and emotions.
What is going on in the scene?
Where am I in the scene?
What is God sharing with me?
What do I see, hear, smell, feel, taste?
What is this experience like for me?
What do I want to share with God?