SACRED STORY AFFIRMATIONS
The ways of both grace and sin’s brokenness are predictable, especially in the way they manifest in your history—your story. How can you discern each of these two elements in your life’s story?
Utilize the spiritual affirmations in this book that are inspired by St. Ignatius of Loyola. They are designed to be a tremendous discernment resource for your life. Lifted from St. Ignatius’ Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, learning their wisdom can provide hope and encouragement on your spiritual journey through this life to Christ’s eternal kingdom.
You can learn to resist the spiritual assaults and deceptions that move you away from the pathway of light. You can learn to embrace the spiritual graces that move you towards the light.
Pay attention to those affirmations that speak to your heart or don’t make any sense at all. Don’t be shy! Tell the Lord: “this touches my heart - help me to understand why it is important for me in my life.”
LEARN DISCERNMENT
What is so attractive about this course is that it can be used immediately by parishioners and seekers no matter your educational or socio-economic background. In my large diocese I have rich, poor, and in-between parishes begging to begin Fr. Watson's Ignatian program of prayer and discernment.
Fr. Watson has done the Catholic Church and the wider Christian community a great service in giving us The Affirmations.
Most Reverend Michael C. Barber, S.J.
Bishop of Oakland
Learn to Listen Interiorly
Be still and know that I am God. The most important part of becoming a discerning person is making sure you have the time to listen to your heart. The structure of the Affirmations will allow you to do just that.
Distinguish Light and Dark
Even though it seems there are a thousand options in life, there are really only two for each choice. One leads to life, one to death. You will become adept at knowing the difference between the two from the Affirmations Course.
Find Your Way Home
We are all searching for meaning and authenticity in our lives. Finding our way along the road of life is not easy. But these thirty-six simple lessons in discernment will prove invaluable for you.
AFFIRMATIONS CURRICULUM
Text and Audio Lessons
Fr. Watson has gone the extra mile and recorded in his own voice the thirty-six lessons which comprise the Sacred Story Affirmations. If you have never had the chance to make an Ignatian Retreat, the Affirmations are your opportunity to pick up a lesson daily or weekly and learn how to pray with the most important discernment guidelines that are in the text of the Spiritual Exercises. Only Fr. Watson has put them in short affirmative statements that are easy to understand.