Another gift of the Ignatian tradition is that of focus. Ignatius encourages us not only to make ourselves available to God but also to avail ourselves of grace, particularly in the place in our lives where we most need it. Recall that he has told us that the Exercises are a time for “intimate contact with God.” Now he encourages us to truly benefit from that intimate tone by using our prayer time almost like a funnel to shine focused light on a problem area in our lives. Ignatius writes:
Perhaps expressing what I truly want or need from God may also act as a preparation of my inner being for an openness to God’s entrance into a particular area of my life.
Where do you need light or guidance? Why put off a good conversation with God about that specific need?