Examen Prayer

This is an Ignatian practice to help you position your heart as a listener (shema) in prayer.

The example below takes about 10-12 minutes, but you can adapt it to be a longer time of reflection or a shorter one (I’ve often done the Examen in 5 minutes.)

I suggest you do this at night before you go to sleep, if it works with you. Of course, you can do it at any other time of the day as well.

Follow these steps:

1. Begin by taking a couple of deep breaths and asking the Holy Spirit to be illuminate. (1 min)

2. Recount your day, detail by detail. (2 min)

3. Give thanks for those things you feel grateful about, both big and small. (1 min)

4. Ask yourself, At what points in my day did I feel connected to God? For example, I served my kids and it brought me joy, or I felt compassion for the person who hurt me. Give thanks to God (2-3 min)

5. Ask yourself, At what points in my day did I feel disconnected to God? For example, I felt envious of my friend for having something I don’t have, or I felt guilty for needing to rest. Tell God the truth about you in a time of confession and repentance. Note: Don’t allow shame or guilt to dominate your prayer, as these separate you from God even further. Simply agree with God that you need something to change and that you don’t want to stay the same. (2-3 min)

6. Reflect in silence. Is God giving you any insight as to why your day went like it went? Is there anything you should approach differently tomorrow? (2 min)

7. Thank God once more for hearing and talking to you and ask God for help for the upcoming day. (1 min)

Book Recommendation for the Examen:

The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom for Our Lives Today

By Timothy M. Gallagher