Chapter 1: Life Decisions and Resolutions
Lesson: A fully directed 30 day retreat based on the I Spiritual Exercises will often be done when one is the most demanding one decision important of life. Life decisions and resolutions: thus, at the end of the second week, St. Ignatius invites the person to make that decision. For those looking to make a serious career decision throughout their life, the help of a spiritual director is highly recommended. However, it is also very helpful to use this meditation to discern God's will regarding some other life decision.
The main decisions of life may include how to live your vocation more fully, get closer to your prayer life, manage your finances, deal with a certain relationship, or any other pressing questions you have in life right now. Throughout your life, God will call you to resolve more deeply, surrender more completely, and serve more completely. What is he calling you to do now? This should be the focus of this meditation. If you have not already done so, reading chapter eleven of the first part, “Discerning God's Will,” will help prepare you for this meditation.
Reflection: there are three methods by which St. Ignatius describes how a person discerns God's will: For St. Paul and St. Matthew, God called in a clear and unmistakable way. They responded with great generosity. Did God talk to you like this? Is there any invitation he has given you that you know comes from him? Think about this question.
If there is nothing that is abundantly clear after reflecting on the first method, take the time to consider the various consolations and desolations of the previous weeks / months. How has God spoken to you through the inner spiritual movements of your soul?
What clarity about His will have you recently received through prayer? Focus especially on the experience of consolation and desolation, as taught in chapters five and six (Discernment of spirits). Life decisions and resolutions:
if there are no clear resolutions that come to your mind after reflecting on your consolations and desolations of the last weeks / months, consider the third approach as the best approach for you. This approach follows in a meditative format. (If either of the first two methods has already helped you know what God is asking of you right now, move on to the next section, “Making a Decision”.)
Reflect on the ultimate purpose of your life
You must choose only what gives God the greatest glory and, therefore, saves your soul. Think peacefully of what it might be like for you right now as you say this prayer: Lord, what can I do in my life right now that He gives You the greatest glory? How can I glorify you more? Life decisions and resolutions: Consider what advice you would give to someone else who came to you right now with the same question. Try giving yourself that objective advice. Also consider the day of your death. What will you look back and wish you had done right now in your life?
Also consider the day of judgment when you stand before our Lord. What choice can you make now that will make that judgment even more glorious?
Taking a decision: After calling to mind in prayer how you can amend your life to give God even more glory, it's time to make a godly decision. This can be done any way you choose, but it should be done with prayer and commitment. First, say a prayer so you can make a good resolution. Second, offer that resolution to our Lord in any way you wish. Maybe say your prayer or say a chaplet, rosary, litany, etc., for intention. Or write your resolution. When finished, return to that resolution often over the next few weeks in prayer.