The Examen
/“We cannot know God only by thinking thoughts. Unfortunately, for much of Christianity, faith largely became believing statements to be true or false (intellectual assent) instead of giving people concrete practices so they could themselves know how to open up (faith), hold on (hope), and allow an infilling from God (love). Contemplation opens our heads, hearts, and bodies to God’s living presence.”
The Examen is a contemplative way of reviewing our days and noticing when we move with and towards God, or when we move against and away from God – even in the most subtle of ways.
Developed by Ignatius of Loyola in the mid 16th century, this form of prayer was intended to be done daily and supported people’s desire to notice the Spirit’s specific movement, train themselves to respond to the nudges of God, and to bring everything (every thought, feeling, word, action) into conversation and communion with God.
This form of prayer can be done daily, weekly, monthly, but the more specific and particular the details we can recall, the more effective it becomes in noticing what Ignatius calls the consolations and desolations in our life.
This five-part version is a nice way to remember how we consent to God’s action in this prayer. This specific approach was developed by Jesuit, Mark Thibodeaux.
RELISH (the moments that went well and all the gifts you have received) Begin by giving thanks for all the things you are grateful for. Let your mind wander over the big and small things. It takes the human brain fifteen seconds to really grasp the positive in something (versus less than a second to latch onto the negative).
REQUEST (the Spirit to lead you through your review of the day) Ask God to help you have an honest review of your day. Ask God to show you the moments of your day when you didn’t act so well (you were moving away from God versus towards). Ask for help in not denying anything, but also that you won’t move into any self-loathing.
REVIEW (your entire day in as much detail as possible) With the Spirit guiding, review your day and noting the ways you have failed and succeeded in moving towards God.
REPENT (of any mistakes and failures) Ask and receive the love and mercy and forgiveness of God as you desire to turn and change.
RESOLVE (in concrete ways to live tomorrow well)Continue to pray with God about how tomorrow might go. Imagine the things you’ll be doing, the people you’ll be with, the decisions you’ll be making. Invite God into your next day.
Consider using the very helpful app called: Reimagining the Examen. It’s full of unique ways to personalize your practice of using the Examen Prayer.
