Hymn: Ignatian Journey

This song gives my own take on the Four Weeks and Rules for Discernment in Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises. It was written on a labyryinth walk in the hills, during a wonderful week of study--all four of us cause Nicholas was six, Katie nursing, and ComputerGuy their caregiver while I was in class--at San Francisco Theological Seminary with Beth Liebert, co-author of one of the most important modern works on Ignatian spirituality. And it's been a great joy to sing it with adult class members in parishes and especially weekend retreatants at Transfiguration Spiritual Center--truly a place of peace and extravagant hospitality!

The journey will heal us as we share,
Speak truth that frees from shame
Each gifted, wounded, precious child
Love holds and calls by name.

The journey will name us as we hear
The call of Christ on earth,
Work with our just and gentle king
To bring God’s reign to birth.

The journey will birth us as we watch
By Jesus’ wounded side,
Bless bread and cup to meet again
Our risen friend and guide.

The journey will guide us as we seek
The Spirit’s still, small voice,
The joy and glory that She brings
Through each life-giving choice.

Text: Laura Grimes, inspired by Ignatius Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises, copyright 2003
Tune: New Britain CM (Amazing Grace)