Transformation Intensive

Temptation in the Wilderness M2-W15

This episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast explores 'Week 15: The Temptation in the Wilderness.' Adam Graber introduces the Tip of the Week, “God will give you more than you can handle,” and the Ignatius Seventh Rule of Discernment. Adam reflects on the nature of temptation using personal anecdotes and biblical insights, specifically emphasizing that to encourage reliance on divine strength. The discussion includes stories of faith, such as Lisa Beamer’s experience post-9/11, and aligns with scriptural guidance from 1 and 2 Corinthians. Practical advice is provided on differentiating between weakness and temptation while embracing God's grace during spiritual trials. Then, Valerie McIntyre introduces the weekly prayer exercises, encouraging listeners to meditate on Jesus' time in the wilderness, and offers strategies for engaging deeply with scripture through imaginative contemplation. The episode concludes with references to C.S. Lewis’s chronicles that illustrate Ignatian discernment and an invitation to watch a relevant homily by Henri Nouwen.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:30 Temptation in the Wilderness
01:50 God Will Give You More Than You Can Handle
02:28 Lisa Beamer's Story of Faith
04:30 Understanding Weakness and Temptation
06:00 Paul's Thorn in the Flesh
13:29 Jesus' Baptism and Identity
15:49 Contemplating Jesus' Temptation
19:12 Ignatian Rules of Discernment in Narnia
24:06 Prayer Exercises and Repetition
26:22 Engaging Imagination in Prayer
30:41 Conclusion and Homily by Henri Nouwen
 
Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic

Jesus' Baptism M2-W14

This episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast introduces week 14, Jesus Baptism. Ann Gemel comments on the Tip of the Week, “Stand Firm” and introduces Rule 6 of Ignatius’ discernment tools, “Act Against Desolation.” Ann advises acting against desolation through prayer, self-care, and service to others. Valerie McIntyre introduces the prayer exercises for this week emphasizing the humility and humanity of Jesus. The episode includes a guided contemplation of Jesus baptism in the Jordan River.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:39 Stand Firm: Weekly Tip and Personal Reflection
02:46 Scriptural Insights and Rule of Discernment
05:26 Practical Actions Against Desolation
08:10 Personal Anecdotes and Encouragement
12:53 Contemplating Jesus' Baptism
24:51 Guided Contemplation Exercise
 
Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic
 

The Two Standards M2-W13

This episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast explores the 'Two Value Systems' also called The Two Standards in the Second Movement of the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola. Listeners are encouraged to be honest with themselves and with God, as essential for prayer and spiritual growth. The episode includes Ignatius's Rules for Discernment, particularly Rule 5, “Don’t make big changes in desolation.” Presenters discuss the cosmic battle between good and evil, symbolized in Ignatian exercises as two opposing flag or banners. The meditation aims to help participants recognize the deceits of evil and embrace the genuine life in Christ. Additional tips are provided for women and men on how to engage deeply with these exercises. Val concludes with practical advice on meditation.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:57 The Importance of Honesty in Prayer
05:54 Ignatius' Rules for Discernment
10:05 Understanding the Two Value Systems
22:14 Meditation and Reflection
28:03 Special Considerations for Women
38:56 Concluding Prayers and Final Thoughts

Jesus Hidden Years (M2-W12)

This episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast welcomes participants into Week 12 of the Ignatian exercises, focusing on Jesus' childhood and hidden years. Host Tim Gemmell emphasizes the importance of preparing the night before to ensure uninterrupted prayer time, outlining practical steps for creating a conducive environment for spiritual exercises. The discussion also delves into Ignatius of Loyola’s rules for discernment, specifically touching on the concepts of consolation and desolation, and how these affect one's spiritual journey. Valerie McIntyre invites participants to contemplate Jesus' humanity and the humanity of the other Bible characters.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:27 Welcome and Opening Remarks
01:22 Preparing for Uninterrupted Prayer
06:59 Rules of Discernment
08:44 Understanding Desolation
13:27 Guided Time of Prayer
15:38 Introducing this week of prayer
17:38 Contemplating Jesus' Childhood
21:17 Imaginative Prayer and Gospel Characters
26:45 Insights on Mary, Mother of Jesus
30:15 Conclusion and Further Reading
 
Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic

Contemplating the Incarnation (M2-W11)

In this week’s episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast, Ned Arnold gives a detailed explanation of Rule Number Three of discernment, which addresses consolation and the fruits of the Spirit. Valerie McIntyre introduces Week 11, which focuses on contemplating the Incarnation and Nativity of Jesus Christ. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on familiar biblical stories to gain a deeper, more personal knowledge of Jesus. The episode offers tips on using images and imagination to enhance prayer and meditation. Practical advice on creative and imaginative prayer, supported by visual art, poetry, and even family activities, is given to help participants more fully engage with the exercises. The episode concludes with a guided prayer session using Rublev’s famous Trinity icon.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:34 Entering the Second Movement: Week 11
01:40 The Power of Images in Prayer
04:29 Understanding Consolation
09:04 Prayer Exercises for the Week
10:04 The Role of Imagination in Ignatian Spirituality
17:38 Tips for Creative Prayer
22:27 Daydreaming and Background Prayer
29:35 Guided Prayer Exercise with Icons
40:53 Closing Prayer and Blessing
 
Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic
 

The Call of the King and the Rules of Discernment 1 & 2 (M2-W10)

In this episode of the Transformation Intensive Podcast, Ann Gemmel delves into the Ignatian Rules of Discernment, particularly Rules 1 and 2, explaining how these principles help in guiding spiritual movements toward or away from God. Emphasizing the concepts of consolation and desolation, Ann encourages listeners to practice discernment in everyday decisions. Valerie McIntyre introduces The Call of the King, Part 2 and reflects Ignatius of Loyola's journey of responding to God's call through four stages Cannonball Crisis, Uninformed Consent, Experimentation, and Mystical Confirmation.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:27 Weekly Prayer Guides and Leadership
01:06 Tip of the Week: Butts in Chairs
02:25 Understanding Discernment of Spirits
04:45 Consolation and Desolation
07:51 Rules of Discernment
12:10 BAT Acronym for Discernment
16:59 Prayer of Examine and Reflection
21:02 God's Call and Personal Discernment
23:41 Ignatius's Life and Discernment Process
34:36 Final Thoughts and Closing Prayer

The Call of the King, Part 1 (M2-09)

This episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast introduces Week 9, “The Call of the King” and marks the beginning of Movement Two in the Ignatian exercises. The discussion reflects on the first movement's focus on understanding one's identity in God as 'loved sinners' and transitions to responding to this identity. Key themes include gratitude, awe, fear of the Lord, and reflection on Psalm 95. The episode also covers Ignatius' symbolic surrender in Montserrat and the emotional resonance of pledging loyalty to Jesus, encouraging listeners to cultivate readiness to respond to God's call.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:27 Reflecting on Movement One
01:47 Understanding Our Identity in God
04:14 Transition to Movement Two
05:14 The Call of the King
06:31 Psalm 95 Meditation
17:07 Practical Exercises and Resources
20:55 Ignatius's Journey and Commitment
30:30 Reflecting on Inspirational Leaders
37:58 Concluding Prayer and Reflection

Freedom to Say No (M1-08)

This episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast delves into Week 8 of the First Movement, titled 'The Freedom to Say No.' It outlines the week's focus on the human freedom to say “no” to God and its consequences in this life and the next. It also introduces the Ignatian prayer exercise called “A Meditation on Hell” and emphasizes the concept affective union with God.
It includes some suggestions for finding peace in the season of Advent, the invitation to experience the weekly prayer exercises as a personal encounter with Jesus rather than a chore, and a guided experience of the Trinitarian Triple Colloquy prayer exercise.  
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:33 Freedom to Say No: Week Eight Insights
01:10 Finding Calm Amidst the Waves in Advent
01:19 Exploring Art and Prayer
03:16 Daily Practices and Tips
03:31 Reframing Your TI Experience
06:22 Triple Colloquy Prayer Practice
19:52 Week Eight Prayer Exercises
26:09 Meditation on Hell: Understanding the Exercise
29:59 Personal Story: Compassion in Action
32:53 Decision Time: Continuing with TI
33:36 Closing Prayer for Advent

Receiving Forgiveness (M1-07)

This Transformation Intensive podcast episode introduces Week 7 of the First Movement with a focus on receiving forgiveness. The episode covers Ignatius’ first three rules of discernment, describes the experience of consolation, introduces the Trinitarian Triple Tolloquy
Prayer Exercise and addresses the challenge of internalized feelings of powerlessness. The episode also includes a Healing of Memories prayer intended for deep reflection on life's past hurts and extending and receiving forgiveness.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:27 Week Seven: Receiving Forgiveness
00:43 Tip of the Week: Expect Consolation
01:38 Rules for Discernment
04:19 The Gift of Tears
05:13 Trinitarian Triple Colloquy Exercise
06:08 Receiving Forgiveness Prayer Exercise
08:14 Internalized Powerlessness
12:34 Healing of Memories Prayer
21:15 Guided Prayer Experience

Forgiving Others (M1-06)

This Transformation Intensive podcast episode kicks off Week 6 of the First Movement with a focus on forgiving others. The episode highlights the importance of personal and communal rituals in prayer life, the concept of prayer satisfaction, and the transformative power of forgiveness. Listeners are guided through exercises for assessing and praying with memories of desolation and the impact of sin. The episode emphasizes the potential for personal mission to emerge from suffering and prepares participants.
 
00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:28 Week Six: Forgiving Others
01:10 Understanding Personal Prayer Satisfaction
02:50 The Power of Rituals in Prayer
06:12 Forgiveness and Its Impact
11:02 Prayer Exercises and Weekly Focus
12:09 Upcoming Healing Service
12:39 Daily Examen and Final Thoughts
15:08 A Story of Forgiveness