Keep the Examen on your home screen so it’s ready each evening.
Welcome
A few minutes each evening to notice where God has been
The Examen is a simple prayer of awareness taught by St. Ignatius of Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises nearly five hundred years ago. He asked his companions never to skip it, even on days too full for any other prayer.
Each evening you look back over the day with God. You give thanks, notice what stirred in you, bring one moment honestly into prayer, and turn toward tomorrow. Over weeks and months, patterns emerge: where you come alive, where you grow weary, and how God keeps meeting you there.
Thou hast searched me, and known me.Psalm 139:1 (KJV)
The five movements
Become aware of God’s presenceGrow still and remember you are held.
Review the day with gratitudeName the gifts, large and small.
Pay attention to your emotionsNotice consolation and desolation.
Choose one moment and pray from itSpeak honestly with God and receive mercy.
Look toward tomorrowAsk for the grace you need for the day ahead.
Plan on ten to fifteen minutes. There is no wrong way to pray it. Write a word or a page, or simply sit with a question. Your reflections save as you type, and only you can read them.
Spiritual direction
You don’t have to listen alone
Sometimes the Examen surfaces questions, longings or griefs that are worth exploring with a companion. Spiritual direction is a confidential, prayerful conversation in which a trained director helps you notice how God is moving in your life. It is not counseling or advice. It is holy listening.
If you would like to talk about beginning spiritual direction, I would be honored to hear from you.