The Examen
Objective: The objective of the Examen exercise is to cultivate a habit of attentive reflection on your daily experiences in order to become more aware of God’s presence and guidance in your life. By intentionally reviewing the day—recognizing moments of gratitude, noticing where God was active, acknowledging where you fell short, and inviting God’s help—the Examen helps deepen self-awareness and spiritual sensitivity. This practice encourages honest self-examination without judgment, fostering a heart of repentance, thankfulness, and openness to God’s ongoing work. Ultimately, the Examen aims to shape your inner life so you can respond more faithfully to God’s calling and grow in spiritual maturity.
How To Do This
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Review your day and thank God for the blessings, joys, and moments of grace you experienced.
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Reflect honestly on how your day went. Notice moments when you felt close to God and times when you felt distant or struggled.
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Acknowledge any mistakes, failures, or times you missed God’s guidance. Ask for forgiveness and help to grow.
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Pray for insight and strength for the coming day. Ask God to help you recognize His presence and respond faithfully.
Scripture: Lamentations 3:40, Psalm 139:23–24, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 2 Corinthians 13:5, Psalm 26:2, Galatians 6:4
Origin: The Examen (also known as the Examination of Consciousness) originates with St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits (Society of Jesus) in the 16th century. It was a central practice in his Spiritual Exercises, a guide for spiritual growth and discernment. Ignatius believed that God is present and active in all things—including the ordinary moments of daily life—and that we can train ourselves to notice His presence through regular, prayerful reflection.
He encouraged Jesuits and laypeople alike to practice the Examen twice a day, helping them grow in self-awareness, gratitude, humility, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t about obsessing over faults, but about seeing each day through God’s eyes—recognizing both His grace and our need for it.
Though rooted in Catholic spirituality, the Examen has become widely practiced across Christian traditions for its power to cultivate mindfulness, gratitude, and spiritual growth.