The Triple Colloquy
By Charlotte Phillips
On July 31, we celebrated the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola. One of my favorite prayer tools from St. Ignatius is the Triple Colloquy. St. Ignatius introduces this prayer during the Spiritual Exercises. So, what is the Triple Colloquy?
The word colloquy simply means conversation. During this prayer experience, you have three (triple) conversations. First with Mary, then with Jesus and finally with God.
At the end of each conversation, you ask three questions:
- What have I done for Christ?
- What am I doing for Christ?
- What ought I do for Christ?
The Triple Colloquy relies a lot on your imagination. To begin this prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to help bring to mind your own sins or the sin and hopelessness you may see in our world.
With these things in mind, sin and hopelessness you may see in our world. Next, have a prayerful conversation with Mary, telling her about the sin or hopelessness you are noticing. After prayerfully talking with Mary, ask her: What have I done for Christ? What am I am doing for Christ? What ought I do for Christ?
Next, imagine walking with Mary to Jesus. As the two of you approach Jesus, prayerfully watch as Mary tells Jesus of all the things you are holding in your heart. After having a conversation with Jesus, ask him: What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I do for Christ?
Finally, walking together with Mary and Jesus, imagine approaching God and all the angels and saints in heaven. Imagine Jesus telling God of the sin or hopelessness you are holding. Then, prayerfully ask God: What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I do for Christ?
