Introduction to the Examen
The Daily Examen is a powerful prayer practice developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, designed to help us grow in awareness of God’s presence and activity in our daily lives. It’s a simple, structured reflection that invites us to pause, review our day, and discern God’s guidance and grace in all things. The Examen is not only a tool for personal growth but also a way to deepen our relationship with God and to align our actions with our faith.
St. Ignatius considered the Examen to be one of the most important prayers a person could practice. It is a reflective prayer that helps us to recognize God’s presence in our daily lives and to see how we have responded to His call in both big and small ways. This practice is more than merely recounting the events of the day—it’s an invitation to notice where God is active and to become more mindful of how we respond to His grace.
The Examen is usually prayed at the end of the day, but it can be adapted to fit any time. Ignatius recommended the Examen as a daily habit, believing that it fosters a life of gratitude, humility, and conscious growth in love and service.
Steps of the Examen
The Daily Examen can be broken down into five steps. Here is a simple guide to walk through each one:
- Become Aware of God’s Presence
Begin by taking a moment to center yourself and invite God into this time of reflection. Recognize that God is present with you, eager to speak with you. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and insights as you look back on your day. - Give Thanks for the Day
Reflect on the blessings, big and small, that you have received today. Give thanks to God for these gifts, whether they come in the form of a kind word, a moment of joy, a challenging lesson, or something unexpected. This attitude of gratitude helps us see all things as gifts from God and opens our hearts to recognize His presence. - Review Your Day in Detail
Walk through your day, moment by moment, in your mind. Consider what you did, whom you interacted with, and how you felt during various moments. Notice where you were open to God’s presence and where you may have missed it. This review is not meant to judge or criticize, but to simply observe with honesty and compassion. - Face Your Shortcomings and Seek Forgiveness
As you reflect, notice any moments where you fell short or missed opportunities to respond to God’s call. Acknowledge these moments without judgment, and ask God for forgiveness, strength, and wisdom to grow. This is a time to bring your imperfections to God, trusting in His love and mercy. - Look Forward with Hope
End the Examen by looking ahead to tomorrow. Ask for God’s guidance, strength, and grace to carry forward the insights you have gained. Reflect on how you might approach tomorrow with a renewed commitment to follow God’s call, love others, and stay open to His presence in all things.
Examen for Different Times of Day
While the Examen is traditionally done at the end of the day, it can be adapted to fit different parts of your day, providing a unique way to pause and reconnect with God’s presence at various moments.
- Morning Examen
In the morning, the Examen can help us prepare our hearts for the day ahead. Start by asking God to guide you, and spend a few minutes visualizing the day, considering any upcoming events or challenges, and inviting God to be part of them. - Midday Examen
A midday Examen is a great way to check in with yourself and with God. Reflect briefly on the morning, acknowledge any blessings or challenges, and ask for grace for the rest of the day. - End of Day Examen
At the end of the day, the Examen is a powerful way to close your day in peace, gratitude, and self-reflection. You can follow the traditional steps, considering the entire day in light of God’s presence.
By incorporating the Examen at various times, we develop a rhythm of reflection and openness that keeps us attuned to God’s guidance and love.
Guided Examen Videos
For those new to the practice, guided Examen videos can be incredibly helpful. These videos offer prompts, soothing music, and gentle guidance through each step, allowing you to simply listen and follow along as you pray.
Many Ignatian spirituality websites and apps provide resources for guided Examen videos, often with themes such as gratitude, forgiveness, discernment, or peace. Watching these videos can be a meaningful way to experience the Examen, as they create a focused, calming environment that allows you to fully enter into the prayer.
Popular Resources for Guided Examen Videos:
- Jesuit Prayer Apps: Many Jesuit organizations offer apps with Examen resources and audio-visual aids.
- IgnatianSpirituality.com: A rich resource for Examen videos and themed reflections.
- YouTube Channels: Look for guided Examen videos from Jesuit and Ignatian spirituality channels for a variety of themes and experiences.
Conclusion
The Daily Examen is a simple yet powerful practice that deepens our awareness of God’s presence and helps us grow spiritually. By pausing each day to reflect, give thanks, and seek guidance, we draw closer to God and become more aware of His workings in our lives. As St. Ignatius taught, the Examen is a pathway to a more discerning, grateful, and fulfilling relationship with God—a practice that can transform our lives, day by day.