Journey with Jesus: Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius

by Larry Warner

In Journey with Jesus, spiritual director Larry Warner guides us through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, similar to the way he's been leading people through them in person. Here's what he's "The Spiritual Exercises helped people reconnect with Jesus and with themselves in life-giving ways. It was powerful." Ignatius wanted to help everyone, no matter what age or stage of life, experience Jesus. Through prayers and Scripture readings that largely focus on the life of Christ, the Spiritual Exercises that have been so powerful and growth-inducing for so many, including Warner, can be a tool for transformation in you as well. The exercises are designed to help you encounter the person of Jesus foster a deeper relational knowing of Jesus cultivate a greater desire and freedom to say yes to Jesus This book will guide you through Ignatius's traditional retreat approach as a nine-month journey which allows you to take these practices into the "real world" each day. And you don't have to go on a retreat to do it. You can start now, and grow in Christlikeness right in the midst of your life. Are you hungry for Jesus and ready to do something about it? Are you committed to a sticking with a sustained journey of growth and formation in Christ? Then this book is for you. Open these pages, and let Warner guide you on the journey toward deeper intimacy with Jesus.

Genres: Prayer, Spirituality, Christian, Christian Living, Theology

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 6, 2010

Reviews

[Paul Dubuc · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly comprehensive and rigorous, guide through the spiritual exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. Originally the Exercises were written as an guide, or framework, for spiritual directors such that they could be adapted for the needs and desires of disciples taking the exercises. The content of this book lends itself to that sort of flexibility and can be used in a variety of ways. However it is used, it presents a significant commitment on the part of the participants and involves time set aside for prayer and intentional following of the Holy Spirit's leading through careful reflection on selected Bible passages which convey the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. There is some deeply personal reflection involved in the journey through the Exercises which does not come naturally to many present day Christians and may seem intimidating at first. In view of this, Larry Warner provides some very good preparatory material to help readers understand the position we have in God's love and acceptance before entering into the Ignatian part of the exercises. It's highly recommended that his book be used with a spiritual director or other trusted, mature Christian who is familiar with the Exercises and Ignatian spirituality. Keeping a journal is also highly recommended, if not essential. The goal of these exercises is to help the participant become a more intentional disciple through a more intimate understanding of, and relationship with, Jesus in the particular circumstances of his or her life. They are designed to change your outlook on life for the better and can bring great emotional and spiritual healing to those who make a serious effort.

That said, some reservations I have about this particular book is that the instructions seem overly repetitive at times which tends to dull the experience. Also, Some important emphases of the Exercises are missing or minimized including discernment in major life choices, exercises in humility, the "call of the King", etc. Finally, I think the author's attempt to soften the experience in the preparation and in the actual exercises is helpful, particularly for those with sensitive issues around self-esteem, but for others it can be over done. The Spiritual Exercises are a discipline which can entail some extended periods of discomfort and rigorous self examination. Softening that experience too much could insulate a person from some important aspects of spiritual growth particularly in realizing the unique qualities of God's love for us in spite of our sin and other imperfections. God's loving acceptance of us in this way does not always involve affirmation. Learning not to be discouraged or feel threatened by this is an important element of our spiritual growth.

[D.J. Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a challenging book to rate as I have no other types of books like this one to which I can compare it. So I'll go with the fact that I bought the book and that it will stay on my bookshelf. Also, I will read over highlighted and bookmarked portions again. A reader has to be interested in Ignatian Exercises to be interested in this book. The front cover has a comment from Dallas Willard: "Effectively brings the Exercises within reach." I agree with that comment. Warner wrote the book in 2010 and I did wonder while reading it, what he would change or keep the same if he were to update it now. I have read Warner's book on grief and it ministered to me tremendously.

I always include a "Would my mom read it?" -- No, I don't think so? She prefers to read Daily Bread and a bit plainer? more concise? (I'm trying to think of positive words) for her daily times with Jesus. I don't want to say that Warner's book is academic because when I use the word "academic" I think of dry textbooks. This was not dry textbook style to me; however, I bring a lot of freedom to whatever I read and if something doesn't work for me, I move on. As the sayings go, "Eat the meat; spit out the bones" or "Eat the fruit; spit out the seeds".

[Dawn Dishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very helpful guide for one wanting to engage with The Spiritual Exercises for the first time. There is a lot of guidance that you might not find in others, so that could be helpful or distracting. At times I fought using the suggestions as a “checklist” which is not what the Exercises are about. It is a book I will come back to time and again, because the The Spiritual Exercises are meant to continue to transform us in our prayer life, not a one and done thing. Like a roadmap, this book points in the right direction.

[Becky Schommer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a very thorough guide through the exercises of Saint Ignatius. It should have taken me about 9 months to complete, but it ended up taking me about 11 (mostly because I didn’t find the method deeply meaningful). I struggled to consistently engage with the Examen (though I even set alarms to remind myself) but it was good to journal and to reflect differently on the scriptures. I’m not finishing the book with a broad appreciation for the journey, which is unfortunate. I do have some journaled insights, however, that I’m grateful for.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A transformational journey over 9-months. This brought a new rhythm to my life in a structure that was both stretching and meaningful. I journeyed with Jesus with a small group which took this book to another level of real-life and depth. Highly recommend having a guide and people with this journey - it's definitely not a book. you sit down and read, it is meant to be experienced and lived.

[Ls Medlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be a life changer if you let it. The exercises drew me closer to Jesus.

[Steve Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift, to find a way into the Ignatian Exercises in the 19th annotation.

[Knightgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, I got a great amount out of the exercises in this format and feel it is a book I will keep returning to.

[Tamara Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review in 3 or more words: instructive | transformative | contextualized from historic church

[Sharon Kuromiya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retreatants are always cautioned not to attempt to do the Ignatian exercises on our own, including this book. That being said, this is an excellent way to get some sense of the exercises anyway. It's been helpful even though I didn't get through it completely. Note: it was written by a Protestant who wants to share Ignatian Exercises w/non-Catholics, hence less emphasis on clerical leader, more on group and the individual retreatant.

[Ralph Bierdeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding perspectives on spiritual formation

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's doing a doozie on me.