Understanding and Applying the Examen in Daily Christian Life

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it can be challenging for believers to maintain a sense of spiritual awareness and presence. However, the ancient practice of the Examen, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th century, offers a profound yet simple way for Christians to connect with God’s presence in the minutiae of daily life.

The Essence of the Examen

The Examen is a method of prayer and introspection designed to cultivate a discerning awareness of God’s presence and our responses to this divine influence. It’s traditionally conducted at the end of the day but its principles can be woven through all hours, from the moment one wakes to the time one retires.

The Five Steps of the Examen

St. Ignatius outlined the Examen as a series of five steps, which when practiced regularly, can lead to a deeper spiritual awakening and a more intimate relationship with Jesus.

1. Become Aware of God’s Presence
   Begin by recognizing God’s presence. In the midst of everyday life, acknowledge that you are in the sight of a loving God. This sets the stage for a sacred conversation and grounds you in the spiritual reality that permeates all things.
2. Review the Day with Gratitude
   Look back on the events of the day with a heart of thankfulness. Gratitude is the foundation of our relationship with God, turning our attention to the blessings, both big and small, and recognizing them as gifts.
3. Pay Attention to Your Emotions
   One of the core ideas behind the Examen is the belief that God speaks to us through our emotions. Reflect on the feelings you experienced during the day. What brought joy, sorrow, peace, or anxiety? Listening to our emotions can lead to a deeper understanding of how God is moving in our lives.
4. Choose One Feature of the Day and Pray From It
   Pick one part of your day—whether a significant moment or a seemingly inconsequential one—and pray from it. It could be a conversation, a work experience, or an unexpected event. Where was God in that moment?
5. Look Forward to Tomorrow
   Conclude by looking forward to the coming day. Ask God for guidance, strength, and the grace to live in alignment with His will. This forward-looking hope is what animates our faith and motivates our continued journey toward God.

Integrating the Examen into Daily Life

The practice of the Examen is not merely a nightly routine but a way of approaching life. By cultivating an ongoing attitude of reflection and prayerful awareness, Christians can:

• Find God in All Things: Ignatian spirituality invites us to see God in our daily activities, relationships, and even in the challenges we face.
• Discern Decisions: The Examen can be a powerful tool for discernment, helping to clarify God’s direction in both the ordinary and the extraordinary decisions of life.
• Cultivate a Responsive Heart: Regularly examining our emotions and reactions trains us to respond more thoughtfully and lovingly in our interactions with others.
• Grow in Holiness: By recognizing our failings and the moments we fall short, we can seek God’s forgiveness and grace to grow in holiness.

The Examen then is not just a prayer but a way of life. It’s an invitation to a daily dance with the divine, a step-by-step movement towards deeper intimacy with God, and a more profound understanding of His work in our lives. For the modern Christian, the Examen offers a much-needed anchor, a point of stillness in the swirling currents of life.

By embracing the Examen, we learn to see our lives as part of a greater tapestry, woven by the hands of God, and are reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 12:2, to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind,” which enables us to discern the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. In this sacred practice, we find the daily sustenance for our spiritual journey and the strength to live out our calling with faith and purpose.