Experiencing God’s Love: The Transforming Power of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

In this conversation, we speak with spiritual directors Esther Hizsa and Jan Evans about the transformative journey of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises in Daily Life, often called the 19th Annotation.They share how this ancient spiritual practice invites people into a deeper relationship with God through daily prayer, imagination, reflection, and weekly spiritual direction over the course of several months.Esther and Jan reflect on their own experiences with the exercises and how they helped them discern major life decisions, grow in trust, and encounter God’s love in deeply personal ways. They also describe how companioning others through the exercises can lead to profound healing, renewed freedom, and a clearer sense of purpose.The conversation explores practical elements of the Ignatian tradition such as imaginative prayer, the daily Examen, and learning to discern God’s voice in everyday life. Through moving stories and real examples, Esther and Jan illustrate how these practices help people navigate grief, uncertainty, and life transitions while discovering God is present in all things.If you’ve ever wondered how contemplative prayer works in real life or how ancient spiritual wisdom can shape modern faith, this episode offers a thoughtful and hopeful invitation into the journey.Related Links:Sowing Seeds of Hope and Resilience in Times of UncertaintyApril 24, 2026 – April 26, 2026. Join spiritual directors Jan Evans and Esther Hizsa for a weekend retreat engaging in God’s dream for our world by planting and nurturing seeds of community, compassion, creativity, and connectedness. Learn More.Ignatian Spiritual Exercises Q&A – May 25, 2026, at 4 pm PT/7 pm ET. Jan and Esther are hosting a time to answer any questions you may have about SoulStream’s offering of the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Learn More.SoulStream Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. SoulStream offers accompaniment in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. September 21, 2026, to May 29, 2027. Learn More.The last SoulStream Living from the Heart podcast on SoulStream: Contemplation, Nature, and the Healing Path This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit soulstream926.substack.com