Here’s a guided Ignatian Contemplation with the story of the Transfiguration:

1. For a few moments I consider how God is looking at me with great love.
2. I ask that all my thoughts, emotions and actions will be focused on and guided by God in the prayer ahead.
3. I slowly read over the Transfiguration account from the Bible once, reminding myself of the story. (Luke 9:28b-36)
4. I imagine the scene in the story: What does the top of the mountain look, sound, feel, smell like? Is it calm, or is there wind? Is it hot, or cold, or pleasant? I see Jesus, Peter, James and John there. How do I imagine them dressed? I can imagine more details for a little while too…
5. I take a moment and ask God for a grace: what it is I’m seeking. It might be simply to know, love, and serve him more.
6. Now I imagine myself on the mountain, just as if I were there with them. I hear what Jesus and the disciples are saying and I see what they’re doing. I refer to the details of the passage… but I also listen for other things it seems they’re saying and doing. Maybe they begin to interact with me. How do I feel? Maybe I want to say something and do something too…
7. I take some time to talk with the Father, or Jesus, or the Holy Spirit…the way one friend speaks to another…whatever comes to mind. I might talk with Mary as well and ask for her prayers.
8. I close with an Our Father or another prayer.

In prayer,

Fr. Phil Hurley, S.J.
Pastor