First Spiritual Exercises – Prayer of Tracking Faith

"My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up."

James 1:2-9

Loving God,

We bring together our hearts and minds in solidarity with the people of Myanmar, inspired by the Ignatian call to be companions in their journey of struggle and hope. In this time of upheaval and uncertainty, we join our voices in prayer, seeking strength, peace, and justice for all who are affected.

Grant us the grace to walk with the people of Myanmar as companions on their path, allowing ourselves to be touched by their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears. Help us to listen respectfully to their stories, to see your presence in their resilience, and to respond with compassion and solidarity. May your Spirit guide us to stand against oppression, to offer comfort to those who mourn, and to foster hope in the hearts of those who feel despair.

May we be instruments of your peace, working tirelessly for justice and reconciliation.We pray for wisdom and courage for the leaders of all nations, that they may be guided by principles of justice, compassion, and solidarity in their actions and decisions. Together, as companions in the Ignatian tradition, let us journey with the people of Myanmar, offering our prayers, our support, and our commitment to a future where all may live in dignity, peace, and freedom.

May our prayer be a source of hope and strength for the people of Myanmar, assuring them that they do not walk alone in their struggle. Amen.

1. Desire...

I ask the Spirit for Increasing Faith

I find and hold an object that symbolises the gift of increasing faith for me.

I consider, 'Where is faith increasing in my life'?

'Where is faith absent in my life'?
'What diminishes faith in my life'?

I ask the Spirit for an increasing, confident faith.

2. Choice...

Today I choose the Way of Greater Faith

I choose the faithful way, led by greater faith and the good spirit toward God’s love.

I reject the disbelieving way, lack of confidence and doubt, amplified by a bad spirit.

I walk towards the gift and the Giver, from belief, to greater faith, to peace in God.

3. Faithful...

I live in the Faithful Trinity

Now I imagine I am surrounded in a circle by the Faithful Trinity. Each person addresses me by name, saying, ‘All things can be done for the one who believes.'
I rest, for a bit, in the ungrudging generosity of the Trinity.

I feel faith deepen in me. I conclude giving thanks for the Spirit of Increasing Faith.

PRAYER TIME: 10 minutes.

Click here to download the Prayer of Tracking Faith.