Examen - 11 2025
Transcript
The Examen is a daily practice of Ignatian Spirituality that invites us to become “contemplatives in action.” This Examen is adapted from “A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer” by Jim Manny. It has five steps.
ASK FOR LIGHT
Take a moment to relax. Perhaps do some deep breathing to quiet yourself. Be aware of your body and setting. Call to mind that you are in the presence of the ever-loving God who always accompanies you. Ask for light to better review and understand your day.
GIVE THANKS
The day you have lived is a gift from God. Offer thanks for your life and the lives of those you love. Pause to remember that you are a beloved child of God. Give thanks for creation.
REVIEW THE DAY
Ask the help of the Spirit to review your day. You might imagine the day as a video playing from morning to night. Press the pause button on what draws your attention. What were the feelings you experienced during the day? Were there special moments of interaction with others? Perhaps there were ideas or realizations that allowed you to see with greater clarity. What brought sadness, joy, peace, or confusion? What drew you to an awareness of God, or pushed you away from God. During the day did any passages or images from Scripture occur to you?
ACCEPT YOUR SHORTCOMINGS AND MISSED INVITATIONS
With gentleness, name the shortcomings that you may have encountered during the day. Were there moments of conflict or bitterness with others? Are there moments of regret or anything for which you would like to ask forgiveness? Were there any moments when you may have helped another person and did not? Were there moments of beauty, joy, or consolation that you were too busy to savor?
LOOK TOWARD TOMORROW
How can you live tomorrow more fully? Are there any challenges or anticipated difficulties when you want to ask for God’s presence? End with a prayer of thanksgiving for your day, and ask to live tomorrow with God’s grace.
November 11, 2025
Examen: Traditional
SUMMARY: This is an Examen adapted from existing Examens to be done each day as a way of drawing close to God and living in and with God.
PRESENTER: Kevin Flaherty, S.J., Chaplain, Ignatian Spirituality
Transcript
The Examen is a daily practice of Ignatian Spirituality that invites us to become “contemplatives in action.” This Examen is adapted from “A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer” by Jim Manny. It has five steps.
ASK FOR LIGHT
Take a moment to relax. Perhaps do some deep breathing to quiet yourself. Be aware of your body and setting. Call to mind that you are in the presence of the ever-loving God who always accompanies you. Ask for light to better review and understand your day.
GIVE THANKS
The day you have lived is a gift from God. Offer thanks for your life and the lives of those you love. Pause to remember that you are a beloved child of God. Give thanks for creation.
REVIEW THE DAY
Ask the help of the Spirit to review your day. You might imagine the day as a video playing from morning to night. Press the pause button on what draws your attention. What were the feelings you experienced during the day? Were there special moments of interaction with others? Perhaps there were ideas or realizations that allowed you to see with greater clarity. What brought sadness, joy, peace, or confusion? What drew you to an awareness of God, or pushed you away from God. During the day did any passages or images from Scripture occur to you?
ACCEPT YOUR SHORTCOMINGS AND MISSED INVITATIONS
With gentleness, name the shortcomings that you may have encountered during the day. Were there moments of conflict or bitterness with others? Are there moments of regret or anything for which you would like to ask forgiveness? Were there any moments when you may have helped another person and did not? Were there moments of beauty, joy, or consolation that you were too busy to savor?
LOOK TOWARD TOMORROW
How can you live tomorrow more fully? Are there any challenges or anticipated difficulties when you want to ask for God’s presence? End with a prayer of thanksgiving for your day, and ask to live tomorrow with God’s grace.