Draw Me Into Your Friendship: A Literal Translation and A Contemporary Reading of The Spiritual Exercises

by David L. Fleming

Draw Me into Your Friendship is a gateway to Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises that combines a literal translation from the Spanish with a contemporary interpretation enriched by the author’s 25 years of experience with the Exercises. For example, where Ignatius prescribes the first exercise of the day at “midnight,” the author explains, “‘Midnight’ does not describe actual time, but rather indicates that the prayer period should be after an initial experience of deep sleep…. It is at this time when both body and mind are relaxed and quiet that the prayer period can be very fruitful”. This volume is designed to serve directors of the Spiritual Exercises, retreatants, and modern readers who wish to become better acquainted with the classic text.

Genres: Spirituality

302 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did the St. Ignatian Spiritual Exercises using this book through the program offered by the Sisters of Benedict here in OKC at Red Plains Monastery in 2004/2005. Although there are innumerable translations of the Exercises, I liked this particular edition because it offered side-by-side comparison of traditional and modern translations of the text which I found helpful.

The book is well-organized and easy to use. That said, I have a copy of and have looked at A Do It At Home Retreat and for what it's worth, that looks easier to follow if you are attempting to do the Exercises on your own, at home, without supervision--not something I would recommend for the first timer. To be honest, I don't know if it is ever advisable to attempt them on one's own.


ADDITION: March 15, 2013 Getting out all my Ignatian books to look over and re-familiarize myself with the Principles, prayers and concepts. Would like to read or reread some of these but not sure which ones ... yet.

[Mommy Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius on my own, but then started RETREAT IN DAILY LIFE with a group leader and spiritual director. We use this book and with a director, my life is becoming more joyful.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

The indispensable spiritual genius of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The First Principle and Foundation is worth the cost of the book alone. His rule of discernment, examination of conscience, and encouragement to engage prayer with the imagination...all indispensable. An incredible gift to the church that I hope more Protestants will discover sooner than later.

[Brian Hohmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful, tender and illuminating edition that any spiritual director would do very well to keep on their bookshelf and turn to personally. Fleming's reading brings the heart of Ignatius into a rather sparse and dry original text, in which it's otherwise unfortunately hidden. This makes Fleming's contribution especially valuable for directors and practitioners.

[Patti Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

This literal and contemporary translation of what I consider to be one of the best spiritual classics of the Church is wonderful. It is not intended to be read as a novel, but to be experienced either in a retreat format or one on one with a Spiritual Director. I used this book when I completed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in their entirety on my 30 day retreat so it is very near and dear to me.

[Amicizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As its subtitle suggests, "Draw Me Into Your Friendship" is a dual translation of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in which Fr. David Fleming offers both a literal translation of Ignatius' celebrated text as well as a modern rendition which in some ways makes the text more accessible for a contemporary audience. A good resource for anyone making or giving the Spiritual Exercises.