An Experiment in Praydreaming – Ignatian Spirituality

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Last week I introduced the concept of prayer dreaming: allow yourself to daydream prayerfully. Today I propose an exercise in prayer. Use it as it is or work with it until you can use it in a way that suits you.

  1. Give yourself 15 minutes to be free from commitments, problem-solving, or other tasks. You may have to leave the building to do this – whether at home, at work, or elsewhere. Get away from distractions. It may be easier to do this while walking, but sit comfortably if it works better for you.
  2. Say a simple prayer such as, “God / Holy Spirit / Jesus, help me relax and allow my mind and heart to rise freely and go where they need to go. I trust you to surround this process with your love and grace. Please guide my mind and heart through what is natural here: my story, my gifts, my wishes, my ideas, possibilities and inspirations. “
  3. Allow yourself to daydream for the next 15 minutes or so. Dream about what you want to do or where you want to go, what you would like to create or who you would like to talk or talk to. Try not to think about what is on your mind. Don’t work on it, just let it happen.
  4. When the 15 minutes are up, if helpful, take some notes about the experience. Do you notice something? Was there a point where you felt wonderful, or peaceful, or stimulated, or curious, or hopeful? Did this prayer dream leave you concrete ideas for a step that you might want to take or an idea that you would like to pursue?
  5. Say a quick thank you prayer, and then go on with your day.

Previous articleWashing up with our fatherNext articleSeven Ignatian Tips for Moving Forward in Uncertain Times Vinita Hampton Wright is the editor-in-chief of Loyola Press’s trading books division. She has written various fiction and non-fiction books, including the novel Dwelling Places with HarperOne, Days of Deepening Friendship, and The Art of Spiritual Writing for Loyola Press, and most recently Small Simple Ways: An Ignatian Daybook for Healthy Spiritual Living. Vinita is a student and practitioner of Ignatian spirituality and blogged for Days of Deepening Friendship from 2009 to 2015. In recent years she has led small groups together through the 19th Note to the Retreat. She lives in Chicago with her husband, three cats and a dog. In her “free time” she is currently working on her next novel.

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