The examen prayer is a beautiful, introspective practice rooted in Ignatian spirituality. It’s designed to help you reflect on your day, notice where God has been present, and discern areas of growth or gratitude. It’s simple but meaningful. Let’s explore this practice together and think about incorporating it into our daily routine.
It all began with St. Ignatius of Loyola.
St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556) was born in Spain into a noble family and grew up dreaming of a military career. However, his life took a dramatic turn in 1521 when he was severely injured by a cannonball during a battle. While recovering, Ignatius read about the lives of saints and the life of Jesus, which sparked a deep spiritual transformation.
After his recovery, he dedicated himself to a life of prayer and discernment, often in solitude. In 1534, Ignatius and a group of companions took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, eventually forming the Jesuit order in 1540 with approval from Pope Paul III. The Jesuits became known for their emphasis on education, missionary work, and spiritual guidance. They established schools and universities worldwide.
Ignatius was canonized as a saint in 1622, and his legacy continues through the Jesuits and the spiritual practices he taught, including the examen, which focuses on cultivating gratitude and reflecting on daily experiences to seek God’s presence.
The five steps of the examen prayer:
1. Give thanks.
Begin by expressing gratitude to God for the day, focusing on blessings, big or small. This sets the tone of the prayer and invites you to recognize God’s goodness in your life. It also reminds you of God’s presence and action in your life.
- Example: “God, thank you for the people I encountered today, the beauty of the sunrise, and the peace I felt in quiet moments.”
2. Ask for light.
Ask God for the wisdom and clarity to see your day as God sees it. This step opens your heart to recognize moments you might otherwise overlook. It also gives you a chance to begin processing what has happened that day and prepares you to learn.
- Example: “God, help me to see the truth of my day, where you were present, and where I may have missed you.”
3. Review the day.
Look back on your day, hour by hour. Pay attention to your emotions, actions, and thoughts. Where did you feel closest to God? When did you feel distant or disconnected? Notice without judgment. Offer gratitude for small blessings, opportunities for learning, and moments spent with others.
- Questions to reflect on: What moments brought me joy or peace today? When did I feel unsettled, frustrated, or out of sync with God? Did I show love and kindness to others?
4. Face your shortcomings.
Humbly acknowledge the times you fell short. Offer these moments to God and ask for forgiveness and healing. Consider whether these frustrations and shortcomings might indicate a deeper need. Are you concerned about a friend? Do you need new direction in your work?
- Example: “God, I’m sorry for the impatience I showed when I was rushed today. Help me to be more mindful in those moments.”
5. Look forward.
End by asking for God’s guidance as you move into tomorrow. Commit to growing in areas you’ve identified and pray for grace to face new challenges. Notice your feelings at this time, and let them inspire your prayers. Ask for help and hope.
- Example: “God, as I begin tomorrow, help me approach others with kindness, even in stressful moments. Guide me to live more intentionally.”
Psalm 139: 23-24 reflects the examen mindset.
“Examine me, God! Look at my heart! Put me to the test! Know my anxious thoughts! Look to see if there is any idolatrous way in me, then lead me on the eternal path!” This is an invitation for God to illuminate the thoughts and attitudes of the heart and to be present in our anxiety. It also emphasizes self-awareness and growth. This might be a good passage to commit to memory and use at the beginning of your prayer time.
You can tailor the examen prayer to suit your personality or situation.
Some people like to journal their reflections, while others prefer to pray silently. It can also be adapted for families, with everyone sharing one moment of gratitude and one challenge from their day. The idea is to be in conversation with God and consistently seek ways to grow in faith and gratitude.
There are many contemplative prayer practices to enrich your prayer life. We’ve talked about lectio divina, visio divina, imaginative contemplation, welcoming prayer, centering prayer, breath prayers, and using prayer beads. Maybe rotating through the various options until you find a sweet spot would make the most sense. I like both welcoming prayer and examen prayer for ending the day, and breath prayers for throughout the day. When I have a session of prayer, I turn to some of the other methods.
Let me know if you give this a try!
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Fondly,
Crysti
