Allowing the Creator to Deal With the Creature: An Approach to the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola

In his advice to spiritual directors, Ignatius of Loyola declares that directors should not steer, in one direction or another, those believers who face difficult life decisions. Rather, says Ignatius, the director should "allow the Creator to deal immediately with the creature and the creature with his Creator and Lord." But how can one make this happen, in practice? How do directors perceive the action of God in a person's soul? How does a person who seeks God open himself or herself to God's saving action? The "Spiritual Exercises" of Ignatius were designed to bring believers into contact with the person of God in a controlled, existential encounter. Believers come to that experience with all their gifts and flaws and with many possible paths open before them. In our day more and more people, both clergy and lay people, Catholic and Protestant, are turning to this traditional practice as a way of deepening their relationship with God. William Barry has more then twenty years of experience as a director of the "Exercises." In this book he offers wise advice to other directors regarding the best ways to "allow the Creator to deal with the creature." All spiritual guides will benefit from these pages.