Examen: Self-Reflective Prayer

Feb 12, 2017 ~ Prev | Intro | Next

This week we continue with variations of Ignatius of Loyola’s spiritual exercises. The practice of examen, or self-examination helps us to discern where God is active in our lives. Ignatius’s idea was that it is often difficult to see where God is or is not present in the decisions you make at the moment in which they occur. But upon reflection, it is possible to see the fruits of those actions, both in terms of how they make you feel and what consequences result from them.

Think back through your day. As you contemplate your activities, thoughts, and feelings, sift through them as you consider the following questions.

If you could relive one moment of your day that brought you joy, what would it be? What did you find life affirming about that moment?

Sit for a moment and relive the joy. Give thanks to God for that experience.

If there was one moment of your day you could change, what would it be? What made that moment so difficult?

Sit for a moment and feel the emotions. Give it to God for healing.

What do my answers tell me about where I am drawing closer to God in my life? Where am I turning away? When do I sense God in both joy and pain?