Spiritual Practice: The Ignatian Examen

Spiritual Practice: The Ignatian Examen

The Ignatian Examen is a 500 year-old prayer developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola that helps us ground ourselves in God’s presence daily. In worship on May 10th, Pastor Kate encouraged us to pray the examen each day this week. 

Recommended Resource: Reimagining the Examen

http://reimaginingexamen.ignatianspirituality.com/

Find a book, more information, and link to download the “Reimagining the Examen App”. Download the app and have a variety of prayers at your fingertips. 

Traditional Examen

Adapted from “Reimagining the Examen” App

1: I get into a comfortable position. I let my muscles relax and mind quiet down. I take a deep breath and ask God to make his presence known around and in me. I feel this presence and soak it in. 

2: I ask God to reveal all the gifts and graces God has given me today, from the big ones (life, safety, love) to the small ones (a good night’s sleep, a phone call from a friend, a compliment). I thank God for each of these gifts. 

3: I ask God to fill me with his merciful love. I ask God to be the leader of this prayer time, rather than brooding or obsessing over myself or the day. 

4: Going hour by hour, I review my day. In my imagination, I relive each significant moment of my day. I linger in the important moments and pass quickly over the less relevant ones. 

5: I continue thanking God for gifts I find in my day. I pause at any of the difficult moments of my day. I pay attention to any missed opportunities, when I could have acted in a certain way but didn’t. When I find moments in which I was not the person I was called to be, I ask God’s forgiveness. I try to sense his healing mercy wash over me.