Examen: Self-Reflective Prayer

Feb 19, 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.

Were there occasions when you turned the other cheek? When did you do more than was asked or expected from you? When did you give or serve without expecting reward?

Give thanks to God for that experience.

Were there times when you put a stumbling block in front of another? Did you judge someone without understanding the situation? Did you bear a grudge against someone or speak unkindly to someone?

Ask God for forgiveness and help in growing in the Spirit.

What do my answers tell me about where I am drawing closer to God in my life? Where am I turning away?