OVERVIEW. We are made to be known and called to be a people of God’s presence. God’s Loving Gaze is another practice from Ignatius of Loyola where we experience God’s nearness and love and allow him to see and know us deeply.

In this practice, we place ourselves in God’s presence, considering his care for us. We can do this in a couple of ways. The first is to imagine ourselves physically before the Lord, looking deeply into his loving gaze and him looking deeply back into our eyes. This could be as Mary experienced Jesus as she sat at his feet, where we feel his love, acceptance, and understanding. It could be as we’re looking into the Father’s eyes and we receive his care, compassion, and delight. Another way is to imagine God’s love for us by remembering and connecting it with feelings of love and care from a familiar presence such as a loving friend or family member. Either way, rest in his gaze and embrace of Love, letting yourself let go of other distractions.

PRACTICE. Find a comfortable sitting position and then begin to breathe slowly and deeply, slowing yourself and becoming present. Start with a prayer thanking God that he knows and sees you. Close your eyes and imagine looking into God’s loving gaze.

Sit for 3-5 mins.

Afterwards, feel free to consider what you noticed, what you felt, or even how hard or easy it was to engage with the Lord. You might consider journaling your observations or insights.