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ThePrayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola, often referred to as theSuscipe prayer, is a profound act of surrender to God’s will.
Rooted inIgnatian spirituality, this prayer encapsulatestrust, humility, and devotion, inviting the faithful to offer their entire being to the service of the Divine.
St. Ignatius, the founder of theSociety of Jesus (Jesuits), emphasizeddiscernment and selfless love, principles that are at the heart of this prayer.
As we explore its history, meaning, and how to pray it, we uncover a deeper understanding ofwhat it means to give oneself completely to God.
Born in1491 in the Basque region of Spain,St. Ignatius of Loyola led a life ofambition and military service before undergoing a radical spiritual transformation. A cannonball injury during battle forced him into a long period of recovery, during which he readthe lives of the saints andthe Gospels, leading him todedicate his life to God.
After his conversion, he spent a year insolitude and prayer atManresa, where he developed the foundation for hisSpiritual Exercises.
He later studiedtheology in Paris, gathering a group of followers who would become theJesuits, a religious order committed toeducation, missionary work, and spiritual formation.
In1540, Pope Paul III formally recognized theSociety of Jesus, which became instrumental inspreading the Catholic faith worldwide.
St. Ignatius’ teachings emphasizedcontemplation in action, guiding believers to seek God in everyday life.
His legacy continues today, particularly throughIgnatian spirituality, which encouragesprayer, discernment, and complete surrender to God's will—principles beautifully expressed in theSuscipe prayer.
TheSuscipe prayer is found inthe final contemplation of St. Ignatius’Spiritual Exercises, a guide designed tolead souls to a deeper relationship with God. This prayer serves as theclimax of the spiritual journey, where the individualoffers everything to the Creator, fully embracing His divine will.
St. Ignatius intended this prayer to be aculmination of faith, love, and self-surrender. Unlike prayers of petition or thanksgiving, theSuscipe is acomplete act of trust, echoing Christ’s own words in theGarden of Gethsemane:“Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
The nameSuscipe comes from theLatin word for "receive," reflecting the essence of the prayer: agift of oneself to God in total abandonment. This act of surrender embodies the core ofIgnatian spirituality, where the faithful seeknot their own desires but the greater glory of God.
TheSuscipe is one of the most well-known prayers attributed toSt. Ignatius, capturing his spirit ofdevotion, humility, and complete trust in God.
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding, and my entire will,
all that I have and possess.
You have given all to me.
To You, O Lord, I return it.
All is Yours; dispose of it wholly according to Your will.
Give me only Your love and Your grace, for this is enough for me.
This prayer represents the highest form ofspiritual abandonment, where one no longer seeksearthly desires but findsfulfillment in God’s love alone.
Praying theSuscipe is not justreciting words—it is aboutinternalizing its message and making a genuine act of self-offering. Here’s how to incorporate it intodaily prayer and meditation:
Begin in Silence – Find a quiet space, free from distractions, and prepare your heart forreflection.
Meditate on the Words – Slowly recite the prayer, pausing toreflect on its meaning in your life.
Offer Your Day to God – Think about specific aspects of your life that youentrust to God's will.
Conclude with Gratitude – End your prayer by thanking God for Hislove, grace, and guidance.
This prayer can be used as a morning offering, during Eucharistic adoration, or as part of Ignatian spiritual retreats. By praying it with sincerity, one embraces the core of St. Ignatius’ teachings, living a life centered on faith, surrender, and divine love.
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