The Long and Loving Gaze of God
–adapted from the post Resting in the Lord’s Gaze on Ignatian Spirituality.com
A simple practice that St. Ignatius Loyola encouraged before prayer begins by placing yourself in the Lord’s presence, considering God’s care for you. One way is to imagine the Lord’s gaze of love.
Sit comfortably to pray either in a chair or cross-legged, depending on which is most comfortable to keep a straight back and ease of posture. Then, simply imagine God’s gaze resting upon you with love.
You can imagine the physical Jesus looking at you, his eyes resting on you with love, acceptance, and understanding. Or allow the feeling associated with the Lord’s loving presence from prior prayer experiences to wash over you, like a warm and gentle breeze or sunlight. Or you can remember a loving family member or friend who has enacted the love of Christ for you.
Reflection Exercise:
Begin by sitting in a way that is both relaxing yet not distracting. With your imagination begin to imagine God’s long and loving gaze resting upon you.
What is his gaze like? How do you experience that gaze? What is happening in your mind, your emotions, your body? Now, imagine yourself gazing back upon God. What is he like? What is the expression on his face? What is happening in your mind, your emotions, your body as you gaze upon him?
Now, imagine God gazing back at you as you gaze upon him. What is he like? What is the expression on his face? What is happening in your mind, your emotions, your body as he gazes upon you gazing at Him.
Talk with the Lord about what you have experienced. What would he say to you?
If you would rather be lead though an audio version of this exercise, click here: