The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556) are a compilation of meditations, prayers, and contemplative practices developed by St. Ignatius to help people deepen their relationship with God.
The Prayer of Examen is a daily spiritual exercise in remembering and is often practiced twice per day at noon and at the end of the day.
PRESENCE OF GOD
First, I begin with a PAUSE and a slow, deep breath or two to become aware that I am in the PRESENCE OF GOD.
THANKSGIVING (more examples below)
Next is a time of THANKSGIVING when I review what I am especially grateful for in the past hours:
The gift of another day...
The love and support I have received...
The courage I have mustered...
An event that took place today...
PETITION
Third is a time of PETITION where I ask for the light to know God and to know myself as God sees me.
This prepares me for the next step where I REVIEW the day:
REVIEW (more examples below)
Rather than trying to interpret, justify, or rationalize, just take time to remember. Trust the Spirit to guide you to the areas of your life that He would like to heal. Jesus invites us to ask specifically for the areas in our life where we want healing:
Where have I felt true joy today?
What has troubled me today?
What has challenged me today?
Where and when did I pause today?
Have I noticed God's presence in any of this?
RESPONSE
After my REVIEW, I engage with God to ask: What is my response to the presence of You in my life today?
LOOKING AHEAD
The final stage is that of LOOKING AHEAD:
As I look ahead, what comes to mind?
With what spirit do I want to enter tomorrow?
I hope that you will take the time each day to give thanks and review your response to God’s grace as you rest in the presence of God. Here’s a prayer card from IgnatianSpirituality.com that you can download and print for your daily reminder: Examen Prayer Card. And a 6-minute video explaining the Examen: Video.
Blessings, my friend,
Agatha
Additional examples of Gratitude and Review:
Experiencing Gratitude:
If the only prayer we have is “thank you”, isn’t that enough?
Freedom
Joy
Compassion
Peace
Power
Strength
Courage
Patience
Abundance
Security
Wisdom
Forgiveness
Confidence
Wholeness
Grace
Victory
Review
Rather than trying to interpret, justify, or rationalize, just take time to remember. Trust the Spirit to guide you to the areas of your life that He would like to heal. Jesus invites us to ask specifically for the areas in our life where we want healing:
Addiction
Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Deteriorating Capabilities
Disappointments
Doubts
Failures
Fear
Hopelessness
Illness
Injury
Insecurity
Loneliness
Pride
Poor choices
Regrets
Resentments
Restlessness
Sadness
Self-flagellation
Shame
Temptations
Violations