Daily Examen

The Daily Examen is a method of prayer that St. Ignatius of Loyola developed to help us find God in all things. It is not an examination of conscience focused on sin, but rather a review of the day to discover where God was present and how we responded to His grace.

St. Ignatius believed that God is always communicating with us—through events, people, feelings, and circumstances. The Examen helps us become aware of this divine communication and respond more fully to God's invitations.

The Five Steps of the Examen:

1. Become aware of God's presence. Begin by placing yourself in God's presence. Ask for the light of the Holy Spirit to help you see your day as God sees it.
2. Review the day with gratitude. Walk through your day, noting the blessings you received. Give thanks for each gift, no matter how small.
3. Pay attention to your emotions. Reflect on the feelings you experienced during the day. Where did you feel joy, peace, or love? Where did you feel anxiety, anger, or sadness? These emotions are clues to God's presence or absence in your choices.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. Select one moment that stands out—perhaps a moment of consolation or desolation—and talk to God about it.
5. Look toward tomorrow. Ask God for the grace you need for the coming day. Resolve to be more attentive to His presence.

The Examen typically takes 10-15 minutes and can be done at any time, though evening is traditional. With practice, it becomes a natural way of living in God's presence throughout the day.