Here are the five steps of the Prayer of Examen:
(1) Become aware of God's presence by reflecting back on the events of the day. Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and understanding.
(2) Review the day with gratitude.
-Gratitude is foundational for our relationship with God.
-Walk through the day in God's presence. Note its delights and joys.
-Focus on the days gifts.
-Look at the work you completed.
-Give special attention to small things such as food eaten, sights seen, and other small pleasures
-Remember God is in the details.
(3) Pay attention to emotions
-A great insight of St. Ignatius was the detection of the Spirit of God's presence in movement of emotions.
-Reflect on feelings of the day. Was there Sadness? Joyfulness? Excitement? Boredom? Also ask God what He is saying through those feelings.
-God most likely revealed ways that you fell short. Make note of any potential wrongdoing, impurity, etc.
-Also look deeply for other implications. (such as someone needing a friend, prayer, etc. )
(4) Choose one (1) feature of the day and pray from it.
-Ask the Holy Spirit for direction into something during the day that God reveals is important.
-This may involve a feeling: positive or negative, significant encounter with another person, or a vivid moment of pleasure or peace. Allow prayers to arise spontaneously from your heart, whether intercession, repentance, praise/worship, or gratitude.
Respond to God creatively.
(5) Look toward tomorrow.
-The final step includes asking God for the wisdom to see challenges.
-Seek God's guidance. Ask him for help and understanding.
Pray for hope
End the examen with a prayer to the Father.
And lastly:
Learn from the past
Envision the future
Live in the present.
(adapted from www.ignatianspirituality.com)
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