Examen

Examen The Prayer of Examen is a form of prayer that was developed by Ignatius of
Loyola in the 15th Century, the founder of the Jesuit Order of priests.
During his personal conversion Ignatius jotted down those exercises that
helped him in his faith journey. Ignatius named the examen as the central
exercise of Ignatian spirituality which is to help find God in all things. Through the Examen we come to know God's love for us more deeply, gradually
becoming more aware of God's presence in everything. The Examen provides a
mirror which reflects God's active presence in our everyday lives. The Examen may be prayed at the end of the day, at the end of the week or
at the end of a term. Students participate in the 'Prayer of the Examen', a
reflective prayer with a particular structure. Students could focus on a
lighted candle that may be used as a symbol of God's presence in the group,
while being guided through the following prayer of the Examen. Steps of the Examen 1. Become aware of your feelings at this moment.
2. Be thankful to God for your gifts and your life.
3. Tell God that you want to see yourself more and more as God sees
you.
4. Go over the events of your day so far and reflect on one of these
when you really noticed God was with you and loving you.
5. Thank God for the good times.
6. Tell God that you are sorry and ask for help if you need to change
in some way.
7. Look forward with hope and reflect on how you need to grow in your
love for God by being more helpful to others in the days to come.