The Examen is a beautiful prayer from Ignatian spirituality. The traditional steps of the Examen are very basic and easy. If you’d like to read more about it, check out Jesuits.org.
One way to engage more deeply with scripture is to read the passages alongside the steps of the Examen, letting scripture suggest questions for reflection. For example, if the reading comes from 1 Corinthians 13, you might reflect on the concrete ways you have or have not embodied these qualities of love in the past 24 hours. Or if the reading is Jesus’ exhortation to “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28), you might consider how Jesus has personally made this invitation to you.
When reviewing and reflecting on the day, pay particular and close attention to the emotions that come up, whether during the day or during the Examen. Ignatius believed that our emotions are a way that God speaks to us and moves us. Paying attention to these emotions is a great way to move out of our heads and into the heart.
Here is a simplified version of the Examen:
- Center in God’s presence, knowing God’s great love for you.
- Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life.
- Express gratitude for the concrete ways God has shown love for you this day.
- Review and reflect on the day – what did you feel? How did you respond? You may wish to focus on one particular thing.
- Think about tomorrow.