Praying the Examen

The Rev. Liz Embler-Beazley

Priest-in-Charge at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church

Recently, I preached about how Christians are called to exercise their "faith muscles". These are the muscles we use to pray, care for one another, serve, and love in the ways God taught us through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and as God continues to reveal God's self to us in the church and the world. One of the tools we have to build up our muscles comes from Ignatian Spirituality and is known as "The Examen". There are many ways to pray in this way, but whatever form you use, the purpose is to intentionally set time aside to be with God and to reflect on how and where God has been present in your life. When we work on seeing where and how God has been present with us, we will be able to experience God with us in every moment with more clarity and understanding. You can use this as a meditative prayer or as a prayerful journalling practice. Discern what method will work best for you at this time in your life and then commit to doing it on a regular basis. Mark it on your calendar in the same way that you mark lunch, doctor appointments, and anniversaries.  Commit to showing up for yourself and for God, allow yourself to work unused muscles that may be a bit awkward, and observe how this time with God changes your heart, mind, and soul.

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Praying The Examen

Peter Paul Rubens: Saint Ignatius of Loyola Norton Simon Museum {PD-US-expired}

To begin, recall the Presence of Christ
Settle yourself comfortably, light a candle, and allow your eyes to rest on the icon or simply close them. Breathe deeply and recall the presence of Christ within and around you.

Give Thanks
Give thanks for the gifts of God in your life, for the opportunity to pray, and for the presence of God in and around you. 

Reflect on Where God was Present 
Look back over the past 24 hours. Where was God present for you? How did that feel? How did you know God was present? What did you learn? How did you grow?

Reflect on When You Felt Distant from God
Look back over the past 24 hours. Where did you feel distant from God? Where there any moments when you chose not to follow God? Are there any moments for which you need to ask for forgiveness?

Look Ahead
Shift your focus to the 24 hours ahead of you. Where do you need God’s help and guidance? How do you need God to show up?

Conclude by praying The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father, who art in heaven…)

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