Prayer of Examen Journal

The Prayer
of Examen
ancient Christian practices series.
“Let us test and examine

our ways, and return to the
Lord! Let us lift up our
hearts and hands to God in
heaven.”
- Lamentations 3:40-41
4. Review your day – Return to the beginning of the day and begin
The Prayer of Examen examining the positive and negative aspects of the day. Ask yourself the
following questions…
(The Ignatian Examen) o When did I fail God today? (Why?) When did I feel most drained
today?
o When did I love today? When did I feel most alive today? In what
Who was Ignatius? ways did I see God working in my life today?
o What patterns and habits occurred during my day today? Did
Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) was the founder the Society of these habits draw me towards love or away from love?
Jesus (the Jesuits). He was the compiler of the Spiritual Exercises and
was described by Pope Benedict XVI as being above all a man of God, 5. Reconcile and resolve – Picture yourself seated next to Jesus Christ
who gave the first place of his life to God, and a man of profound prayer. and talk to Him about your actions and attitudes of the day. If you feel led
– ask for forgiveness, direction, and restoration or simply express thanks
Purpose to God. Resolve with Jesus to move forward in action. Remember all the
good moments and thank Jesus for His presence with you in these
The Prayer of Examen is a daily prayer developed by Ignatius of Loyola moments.
that seeks to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus Christ by examining the
highs and lows of the day and discerning how one may love God and 6. Recite the Lord’s Prayer – “Our Father, who art in Heaven,
others more. hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on Earth as
it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our
Practice trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For thine is the kingdom, and
1. Find a quiet place and enter into the presence of God – Begin by the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.]”
finding a quiet place without distractions. Then ask the Holy Spirit to
draw you deep into the Father’s presence and love. Take a few moments 7. Take a few moments to journal your experience using the Prayer
to center yourself on God’s great love for you. Finally, ask the Holy Spirit of Examen
to help you recall your day in love.
2. Thank God for the day’s gifts – Remember all the small pleasures of
your day (ex. friends, a kind word spoken to you, your health, laughter, Tips for the Prayer of Examen
etc.) and see these as gifts from God. Also, take time to recall the gifts o If possible, sit in a comfortable place with good posture and close
that you gave throughout the day – to God and to others. Give thanks to your eyes if you like.
God for all the blessings – received and given – throughout the day. o The Prayer of Examen is best practiced in the quiet of the
evening.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance – Ask for God’s help as you o Do not dwell too long on failings or fall into condemnation.
examine your attitudes and actions throughout the day. Pray also that you Simply allow yourself to recognize failings and continue on with
would look at yourself without condemnation and without complacency the Examen. When you feel yourself getting sucked into
and thus be open to growth. condemnation, quote Romans 8:1.
o The Prayer of Examen is not meant to be your only source of
prayer, it is intended to enhance prayer and should not replace
other important forms of prayer – Praise & Thanksgiving,
Intercession, Petition, Spiritual Warfare, etc.
Date: ___/___/_______ Date: ___/___/_______
The Prayer of Examen The Prayer of Examen
What gifts has God given you today? What gifts did you give to What gifts has God given you today? What gifts did you give to
God or others today? God or others today?
When did you fail God today? Is there a way to ensure that you When did you fail God today? Is there a way to ensure that you
do not succumb to that failing again? do not succumb to that failing again?
Where did you see God in your life today? Where did you see God in your life today?
When did you love today? How can you ensure that you love When did you love today? How can you ensure that you love
God and others more in the following days? God and others more in the following days?
Date: ___/___/_______ Date: ___/___/_______
Date: ___/___/_______ Date: ___/___/_______
Date: ___/___/_______ Date: ___/___/_______
Date: ___/___/_______ Date: ___/___/_______
Examen
Date: ___/___/_______ Date: ___/___/_______

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