How to Pray the Daily Examen

Wondering how to pray the daily examen? The Ignatian Daily Examen is a simple yet profound prayer practice from St. Ignatius of Loyola. It invites you to reflect on your day, recognize God’s presence, and grow in gratitude and awareness. Rooted in the Catholic tradition, the Examen strengthens your relationship with God and aligns your life with His will.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to praying the Examen and integrating it into your daily life.

What is the Daily Examen?

The Examen is a reflective prayer meant to review your day in the light of God’s presence. St. Ignatius designed it to help believers discern God’s movement in their lives and recognize opportunities for growth. This practice emphasizes gratitude, self-awareness, and accountability, fostering a deeper relationship with God:

Praying the Examen doesn’t require elaborate rituals. It’s approachable and adaptable, making it accessible to Catholics of all life stages.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Ignatian Examen

The Examen typically involves five steps. You can complete it in as little as 10-15 minutes.

1. Become Aware of God’s Presence

Begin by quieting your mind and inviting God into your prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see your day clearly. Focus on recognizing God’s presence in every moment.

2. Express Gratitude

Reflect on the blessings of your day, no matter how small. Thank God for His gifts, including the people, events, and graces you experienced. Gratitude opens your heart to God’s love.

3. Review the Day with Honesty

Go through your day, hour by hour, noticing your actions, thoughts, and feelings. Pay attention to moments of joy, sadness, or spiritual prompting. Recognize how you responded to God’s invitations.

4. Face Your Shortcomings

Acknowledge where you fell short or acted against God’s will. Ask for His forgiveness and strength to do better. This isn’t about self-condemnation but about opening yourself to God’s mercy.

5. Look Forward with Hope

Conclude by asking for grace to live the next day in closer alignment with God’s will. Commit to specific actions or attitudes that reflect your desire to grow spiritually.

Why Pray the Examen?

The Examen fosters spiritual growth by encouraging self-awareness and accountability. It helps you see where God is working in your life and where you need His grace.

This prayer cultivates gratitude, which strengthens your relationship with God. By reviewing your day, you can discern patterns, recognize God’s guidance, and grow in virtue. The Examen also helps combat spiritual blindness, ensuring you stay attentive to God’s presence.

The Examen in Daily Life

Many Catholics pray the Examen in the evening, reviewing their entire day. Others prefer midday, allowing them to adjust their focus for the rest of the day. Either approach works—consistency is key.

Set aside a quiet space for this prayer. Use a journal to record your reflections if it helps you stay focused. I like to use the Hallow App that offers guided versions of the Examen for added support.

Lessons from St. Ignatius

St. Ignatius believed God speaks to us through our daily experiences. The Examen helps us tune into these moments of divine communication. By practicing this prayer, you become more receptive to God’s will and more intentional in your actions.

The Examen also aligns with the Catholic call to ongoing conversion. Each day presents opportunities to grow in holiness and charity, and the Examen helps you identify them.

Incorporating the Examen into Your Prayer Life

If you’re new to the Examen, start small. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to pray at the same time daily. Keep your focus simple—don’t overcomplicate the process.

Pray the Examen during Adoration or after receiving the Eucharist for a deeper connection to Christ. Families can incorporate the Examen into evening prayer routines, helping children recognize God’s presence in their lives.

Common Questions About the Examen

Do I need to pray all five steps?
While the full structure is ideal, even a simplified version can deepen your relationship with God.

What if my day feels uneventful?
Even uneventful days offer moments of grace. Look for small blessings or challenges where God may have been present.

Can the Examen help with decision-making?
Yes. The Examen sharpens your awareness of God’s guidance, making it easier to discern His will.

Conclusion

The Ignatian Daily Examen is a powerful tool for deepening your faith and drawing closer to God. By reflecting on your day with gratitude and honesty, you grow in awareness of His presence and learn to align your actions with His will.

Commit to this daily prayer and discover how God speaks to you through ordinary moments. The Examen transforms your spiritual life, leading you into a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ.