Young Adult
The Examen
The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is an ancient practice in the Church that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience.
The method presented here is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. St. Ignatius thought that the Examen was a gift that came directly from God, and that God wanted it to be shared as widely as possible. One of the few rules of prayer that Ignatius made for the Jesuit order was the requirement that Jesuits practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It’s a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
This is a simplified version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.
The method presented here is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. St. Ignatius thought that the Examen was a gift that came directly from God, and that God wanted it to be shared as widely as possible. One of the few rules of prayer that Ignatius made for the Jesuit order was the requirement that Jesuits practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It’s a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
This is a simplified version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.
Follow and pray along with this video mediation of the Examen:
The Examen has many different forms, and ways to pray it, so you will always have something new to consider. Here are some examples of a varriety of topics for the Examen, in a unique flip book format:
Examen Flip Books:
Naming the Grace
Gratitude
Praise, Reverence, Service
Choose Life
Examen Flip Books:
Naming the Grace
Gratitude
Praise, Reverence, Service
Choose Life
Why do we need Lent? I am just too busy to focus on my spirituality! ...Well that is exactly why. Jesus himself took time away to pray, and we too need to be able to look within ourselves in order to grow as Christians. The following blog talks about how "This active life rests on a foundation of reflection."
Reflection and Our Active Lives
St. Ignatious is one of the important figures in in this type of spirituality. Learn more about his story and passions here:
The Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits, was founded by, and on the priciples of St. Ignatious. Did you know Pope Francis is a Jesuit? Learn more about this group here:
Take some time to explore these two websites to learn more about the spiritual practices and ways that you can make introspection and prayer a part of your Lent this year
We are fast approaching Holy Week so today we’re highlighting just a few of the many Ignatian-inspired features designed to help you observe Lent.
- An Ignatian Prayer Adventure
Join in an adapted version of the Spiritual Exercises, perfectly timed as a Lent and Easter retreat. This year Barbara Lee (pictured), author of the new book God Isn’t Finished with Me Yet: Discovering the Spiritual Graces of Later Life, will share her experiences with the retreat through posts on Wednesdays. The retreat begins on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday (February 11) and concludes the week after Easter. - Living Lent Daily
Earlier this week, William A. Barry, SJ, invited us to Living Lent Daily. Subscribe to this e-mail series and come to know Jesus as a friend, and experience God’s unbelievable love and generosity toward us. - Arts & Faith: Lent
Enjoy a visual prayer experience this Lent. Each week includes a video commentary about a work of art inspired by the Sunday Scriptures and an accompanying Ignatian reflection. - The Ignatian Workout for Lent
Listen to Tim Muldoon’s audio reflections, which accompany suggestions for prayer and action, leading from Ash Wednesday to Easter. - Books for Lent
If you’re looking for some off-line inspiration, select a book to accompany you through the season.
