From The Spiritual Exercises, by St. Ignatius
The Examen
Become aware of God’s presence.
Review the day with gratitude.
Pay attention to your emotions.
Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
Look toward tomorrow.
How to pray the Examen
- Place yourself in God’s presence.
Give thanks for God’s great love for you. - Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life.
- Review your day.
Recall specific moments and your feelings at the time. - Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances.
Were you drawing closer to God, or further away? - Look toward tomorrow.
Think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God’s plan. Be specific, and conclude with the “Our Father.”