LONGING FOR GOD

DESIRE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

To recognize and
claim my longing The spiritual exercises are, above all, a time for intimate
for God. contact between God and the retreatant… For in a retreat
we do not find knowledge satisfying us but rather deep
down tastes and feelings that sensitize us to what really
matters (Spiritual Exercises 2).
FURTHER
RESOURCES
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 62
Exodus 3:1-6 “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10).

Exodus 33:12-23 O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for
you (Psalm 63:1).
Hosea 6:1-6
A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said
to her… “Everyone who drinks of this water will be
thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will
give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give
will become in them a spring of water gushing up to
eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this
water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep
coming here to draw water” (John 4:1-30).

Why do you spend your money for that which is not

bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me; and eat what is good, and delight
yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me;
listen, so that you may live. I will make with you an
everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love … (Isaiah
55:2-3).

O Lord, all my longing is known to you; my sighing is not

hidden from you (Psalm 38:9).
 Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? (Genesis 18:1-
15).

QUESTIONS SUGGESTION

What plans and desires in my life demonstrate my longing for Pay attention to the
many occasions in a
God?
day in which you and
What do experiences of incompleteness show me about God as others speak of
the fulfillment of my life? hopes, desires,
longings.
What does my longing for God reveal about the core of my
being? EXAMEN
PRAYER
What do I notice about myself and my thirst for God when I take
time to “be still” and listen? At the end of the day,
pray in gratitude for
being connected to
How do I balance my various roles in a consumer society with God at the core of
my longing for God? What habits or addiction can undermine your being and life.
my seeking God?

When my inner well runs dry, how do I respond in faith?

How has my hunger for God’s presence been made known to

me?

AID TO DISCERNMENT
Notice what happens to your faith and hope when you acknowledge your
desire for God.

[Spiritual Consolation may be defined as moments]… when we find our

life of faith, hope, and love so strengthened and emboldened that the joy of
serving God is foremost in our life. More simply said, consolation can be
identified with any increase of our faith, our hope, and our love (Spiritual
Exercises 316c).