Examen Prayer

The Examen of Consciousness was designed by Ignatius of Loyola to be a daily call to prayer and reflection.  It is both a prayer of repentance and an affirming reminder of God's love.

Ignatius considered this kind of prayer to be the most important single spiritual exercise we can do.  He did it daily, and he urged all his friends to do the same.

Friday, March 12, 2010-Mark Brahier

Good afternoon, I will give you some time to get ready for today's Examen prayer. You may wish to turn the lights off in your classroom and shut your doors
(PAUSE THIRTY SECONDS)

Relax. Put your head down on your desk. Close your eyes. Pay attention to your breathing. (PAUSE FIVE SECONDS)

God is with you, but more, God is within you. Dwell for a moment on God's life-giving presence in your body, mind, and heart right now. (PAUSE TEN SECONDS)

Close out the noise, the noise that interrupts, that separates, that isolates. Listen to God. (PAUSE TWENTY SECONDS)

How do you find yourself today? Where are you with God? With other people in your life? Are you happy with these relationships? Is there something for which you are sorry? Maybe something you said which was unkind to a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask God's forgiveness. (PAUSE TWENTY SECONDS)

Jesus taught that you should pray constantly without ceasing. God will give either what you ask, or what he knows to be profitable to you. Be aware that God is within you and within everything you encounter today. (PAUSE FIVE SECONDS)

May God bless us.

Saint Ignatius pray for us.