Ignatian Scripture Contemplation What is Ignatian Scripture Contemplation

Ignatian Scripture Contemplation

What is Ignatian Scripture Contemplation? What is it? o A practice developed by St. Ignatius Loyola in which one engages the Scriptures at an imaginative and sensory level o The reader is invited to become a participant in the story rather than being a casual reader What is the purpose? o To invite the reader into a deeper, more personal relationship with God through the use of the imagination o To use the imagination to encounter God in the world of the biblical text

How Is Ignatian Scripture Contemplation Done? The Scripture passage that is being contemplated is read four times Four stages: 1. Listen to the story for the broad overview of what is happening 2. Listen for more details, paying attention to the main characters and their actions as well as the setting of the text 3. Notice more details and being to feel yourself in that place or story 4. Experience that story as the person or object that you choose to be

Stage 1 Listen to the story for the broad overview of what is happening Where and when does it take place? Who is there? What happens?

Stage 2 Listen for more details, paying attention to the main characters and their actions as well as the setting of the text Who are the major players? Who else is there? What are the characters doing? How do the characters interact with one another? What is the setting? What is the atmosphere or mood of the scene?

Stage 3 Notice more details and begin to feel yourself in that place or story Who are you or what are you? What are you doing, thinking, or feeling? What are the sounds, smells, sights, and other details of the setting that you notice? What emotions and undertones do you notice?

Stage 4 Experience that story as the person or object that you choose to be Let the story continue to unfold within you and your imagination