Daily Examen
Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Daily Examen is a powerful technique to devote our attention to God’s presence at work in our lives. I believe the Examen is the most important exercise on this website because it can help us love God. The Examen can be done for about 15-20 minutes in the morning, midday, or evening to contemplate our connection to God hour by hour. If we practice it often, it can help us be aware of our devotion at all times as a ceaseless prayer. Below is the Examen prayer:
The Daily Examen
Surrender – You have given all to me, Lord. To You, I return it. Everything is Yours. Do with it what You will. Give me only Your love and Your grace. That is enough for me. (Take several deep breaths and as much silence as you need to quiet your mind.)
Thankfulness – What gifts from God are there in my day for which I give thanks? (Take time to rest in the feeling in your body when you remember God’s gifts, such as love, joy, or peace.)
Review – Lord, I am thankful for the times I loved generously today and am sorry for when I did not. What are one or two ways that I have drawn closer to God or further away? (When recalling these experiences, allow yourself to also linger on these feelings, such as when you drew further away from God.)
Understanding – I pray to understand how God is acting in my life. Label over the last 24 hours, hour by hour, how you experienced the fruit of the Spirit. Also label specific thoughts and actions, hour by hour, reflecting on how you drew further away from God, such as through addiction, distraction, etc. (Use the feelings in your body and the memory of moments to discern God’s call in your life.)
Grace – Holy Spirit, I pray for one or two specific ways to amend my life to follow your will. I thank You for the ways You have inspired me.
I complete my time of examination by intentionally praying the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name;
thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.
Amen.