Ignatian
Ignatian Spiritual Direction
Rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Ignatian direction helps you discern God's movement through consolation, desolation, and the deepening of interior freedom.
Vetted directors joining daily
Jeff Ott
Monastic Spirituality
Bryn Stonehouse
Life Transitions
Mignon Murrell
Spiritual Formation
Becca Patton
Spiritual Formation
Jeremy Harrison
Faith & Vocation
Directors joining daily
Understanding the Tradition
What Is Ignatian Spiritual Direction?
Ignatian spiritual direction draws on the 500-year tradition of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). At its heart is the conviction that God communicates directly with each person, and that a trained director can help you notice, interpret, and respond to that communication.
Central to the Ignatian approach is the practice of discernment of spirits — learning to distinguish between movements of consolation (which draw you closer to God) and desolation (which pull you away). An Ignatian director helps you develop this interior sensitivity so that you can make decisions rooted in spiritual freedom rather than fear or compulsion.
Ignatian direction is not limited to those making the full Spiritual Exercises. Many people engage an Ignatian director for ongoing monthly accompaniment, bringing the ordinary material of their lives — work, relationships, prayer, struggle — and exploring where God is present in all of it. The Ignatian tradition insists that God can be found in all things.
Is This For You?
Who is Ignatian spiritual direction for?
- You are facing a major life decision and want to discern God's will with clarity
- You are drawn to structured, reflective prayer practices like the Examen
- You want to deepen your awareness of consolation and desolation in daily life
- You are making or have made the Spiritual Exercises and want ongoing accompaniment
- You desire greater interior freedom and detachment from disordered attachments
- You want a director grounded in a well-established tradition with clear methodology
“The human soul doesn't want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed — to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is.”
— Parker Palmer
Historical Voices
Who's Writing & Teaching About This
These are the people shaping how Ignatian Christians understand and practice spiritual direction today.
Historical roots: St. Ignatius of Loyola · Pierre Favre · Karl Rahner · Pedro Arrupe · Margaret Silf · William Barry · David Fleming · Joseph Tetlow
We're building out profiles of historical voices in this tradition. Check back soon.
Getting Started With Ignatian Direction
Learn
Explore what Ignatian direction involves and whether it resonates with your spiritual life.
Connect
Browse vetted Ignatian directors — available now, online and near you.
Begin
Schedule a first conversation. Many directors offer this free so both of you can sense the fit.
Resources
Articles About Ignatian Direction
The Ignatian Examen for Beginners: 5 Steps to Review Your Day with God
The Ignatian Examen is a 500-year-old daily prayer practice that helps you notice God's presence in ordinary moments. Here's how to begin tonight.
Discernment: How to Listen for God in Major Decisions
Discernment is the art of recognizing God's voice amid the noise. This guide covers Ignatian consolation and desolation, practical frameworks for decision-making, and when to involve a spiritual director.
The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius: A Complete Introduction
A comprehensive introduction to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola — the foundational text of Ignatian spiritual direction. Learn about the four weeks, consolation and desolation, the Daily Examen, and how to make the Exercises today.
FAQ
Ignatian Spiritual Direction FAQ
Begin Your Ignatian Spiritual Direction Journey
Connect with a trained Ignatian spiritual director who will walk alongside you as you deepen your relationship with God.