Ignatian Discernment Institute | Consolation and Desolation

Consolation and Desolation

Every Christian knows the rhythm of the spiritual life. There are days when prayer feels alive, when God’s presence is vivid, and when the heart feels free and eager to serve. There are also days when the heart feels weighed down, when prayer seems dry, or when God feels far away.

St. Ignatius of Loyola gave names to these experiences: consolation and desolation. These two inner movements are present in every journey of faith. By learning to recognize them, we begin to understand how God is at work in us — and how the enemy of our souls tries to discourage us. Ignatius teaches us that these movements are not random, but deeply meaningful.

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What is Consolation?

Consolation is the experience of being drawn closer to God. It brings peace, strength, and joy, even in difficult times. Ignatius describes consolation as every increase of faith, hope, and love. It may come as a quiet assurance, a renewed desire for prayer, a deep gratitude, or even tears that flow from love for God.

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Consolation is when the soul is inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord… every increase of hope, faith, and charity, and all interior joy that attracts to heavenly things.

— St. Ignatius of Loyola

Consolation does not always mean that life is easy. It may arise in suffering, when one finds unexpected strength in God’s presence. It may appear as clarity after a long period of struggle, or as renewed courage to do good. Whatever the form, consolation always turns the heart outward, toward God and others, with freedom and generosity.

What is Desolation?

Desolation is the experience of being drawn away from God. Ignatius describes it as darkness of soul, heaviness, and a lack of spiritual energy. In times of desolation, prayer may feel empty, God may seem absent, and the heart may feel restless, discouraged, or isolated.

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Desolation is darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to things low and earthly… without hope, without love, finding oneself tepid, sad, and as if separated from one’s Creator and Lord.

— St. Ignatius of Loyola

Desolation often pushes us inward, toward self-preoccupation. It can tempt us to abandon prayer, withdraw from community, or lose hope in God’s care. Ignatius is clear: desolation is not from God. Rather, it is permitted as a trial, a moment in which we can grow through perseverance and faithfulness.

Like consolation, desolation is a normal part of the Christian journey. To recognize it for what it is, and to resist its discouraging pull, is the heart of Ignatius’s teaching on discernment.

Why These Matter

Consolation and desolation are the ordinary currents of the interior life. Without words to name them, these experiences can feel confusing or overwhelming. With Ignatius’s guidance, we learn to see them for what they are. Consolation is a gift to be received with gratitude and used for good. Desolation is a trial to be resisted with courage and trust in God’s faithfulness.

Ignatius’s Rules for Discernment build upon this foundation. They teach us practical ways to respond: how to accept and cooperate with consolation, and how to reject and stand firm against desolation. The more we learn, the more we recognize that these movements are not obstacles but invitations to deeper relationship with God.