The Daily Examen is an ancient form of prayer which invites us to say thank you for the things which have gone well and sorry for the things which have not. It was created by St Ignatius of Loyola over 400 years ago and helps us to focus on what God is doing in our lives every single day. It is a short prayer that only takes 5 - 10 minutes and is the perfect way to end your day..
During a battle in 1521 in France St. Ignatius was seriously injured. In fact, he had a cannonball rip through his legs! I'll spare the gory details, but as you can imagine, he was confined to bed for many months while he recovered. Obviously there was no Netflix in those days, so all he could do was read and think, and read and think some more. His sister-in-law gave him books about Christ and the saints to help him pass the time. He thought a lot about what he was reading, and about his emotions and realised he didn't want to be a soldier anymore. He even dreamed about becoming a saint himself.
In 1522 when he could walk again, he left Loyola Castle on a mule and made his way to the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. He laid his sword and dagger at the Virgin's altar during an overnight vigil and dedicated his life to God and following Christ. He gave away his fine clothes to the poor and spent time living like a monk and doing work at a hospital in exchange for food and shelter. He eventually started the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). St. Ignatius thought that the Examen was a gift that came directly from God.. He made it a rule that the Jesuit order practice the Examen twice every day—at noon and at the end of the day. It’s a habit that Jesuits and many other Christians still practice today.
This is a version of the Examen that St. Ignatius used to pray:
1. FIND A QUIET PLACE TO BE STILL
Wherever you are, sit comfortably and be still. Relax, but try to be attentive to yourself and to God. Breathe. Remember that God is present with us in our everyday lives. He has been near to you and with you throughout the events of your day.
2. GIVE THANKS FOR THE GOOD THINGS OF TODAY
Recall one moment that you are grateful for from today. Pay attention to the little things, like what you ate, the things you saw, the friends you spoke to. Think of how you brought joy to others too. Remember, you can find God in the details! Remember how you felt. Notice these feelings and reflect that all good things come from God. Offer your thanks.
3. LET GO OF THINGS BOTHERING YOU
What's on your mind at the moment? What is making you feel awkward or anxious? Raise these things to God and ask for the freedom that comes with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
4. REVIEW YOUR DAY
Try to recall the other events of the day. Reflect on what has happened and how you feel about it. Trust the Holy Spirit to show you the things that are important to think through and the insights that are important to know.
5. TALK WITH GOD
Tell God anything that comes to mind – jot it down, speak it out or think it through. God already knows our needs, this is to help us identify what we need to be aware of, let go or recognize.
6. FINISH YOUR PRAYER
Offer this time to God with a closing prayer. You can say the Our Father or the following end of day prayer.
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That you, with steadfast love, would keep
Your watch around us while we sleep.
From evil dreams defend our sight,
From fears and terrors of the night;
Tread underfoot our deadly foe
That we no sinful thought may know.
O Father, that we ask be done
Through Jesus Christ, your only Son;
And Holy Spirit, by whose breath
Our souls are raised to life from death.
Amen.
(From Common Worship Night Prayer (Compline). Common Worship: Daily Prayer is © The Archbishops’ Council 2004 and published by Church House Publishing. Used with permission.)
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