Prayer of Examen
The “Prayer of Examen”, designed by St. Ignatius Loyola five hundred years ago, is a traditional way of encountering God in the everyday circumstance of life. It is a technique based on prayerful reflection on daily events to detect God’s presence and discern the good, the bad and his direction for us. The Examen is an excellent way to be honest in prayer and self. We review our moments in the loving light of Christ removing all facades and self-delusions.
Simple five-step routine for daily Examen (15 to 20 minutes):
1. Pray for light
Begin by asking God to shine His Light into areas that He wants you to see and understand.
2. Give thanks
Look at your day in gratitude. Be thankful. Everything is a gift from God.
3. Reflect and review the day
Reflect and review your day guided by Holy Spirit, the interpersonal interaction, the thought patterns and responses. Pay attention to your spiritual experience. Does the experience lead you to or away from God?
4. Pray for forgiveness and healing
Face your failures and shortcomings. Ask God to show you healing and ways to improve.
Open yourself to the process of transformation and giving God permission to do the work God wants to do in you.
5. Pray about tomorrow
Ask for His blessings and help in moments when you might be tempted to fail in the way you did today and may it not be repeated.
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
