Guided Retreat: Praying with Our Senses

Stop, Look, and Listen…and Smell, and Taste, and Touch: Praying with Our Senses

“The five senses are the ministers of our soul.” – Leonardo DaVinci

In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola recommends that we pray with scripture by putting ourselves in the scene and contemplating the scene with our senses – what do we see, hear, smell, etc.? During this guided retreat, we will explore, engage, and pray with a different sense each day and allow our senses to minister to our souls. Mary Pollini will offer input, including how our senses “work” and have developed over millennia, stories relating to our senses, and sensory experiences. 

Suggestions for prayer relating to the day’s sense will be provided, including  exploring sensual memories, scripture passages, poems, and reflections. Each day will conclude with the group coming together to gather the graces of the day, to share how God was present in prayer, and to honor each sense. Retreatants may also schedule optional individual spiritual conversation/direction with Mary.