Spiritual Discipline of Examen

Jesus’ Disciples learn to have their
“I”-sight checked with the Lord

This week's Immersion delves into another spiritual discipline as a way to expand our prayer life and walk with God. Consider the Examen a tool for your spiritual belt of truth.

Developed by Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), founder of the Jesuits, Examen is a spiritual discipline of prayer looking to discover the movement of the Spirit in our daily lives by reviewing your day. There are five steps, generally taking about 15 minutes to do in all, though some easily turn it into 45 minutes. It likely depends on how often you do so, how far back you look, and how detailed you get.

1. Recognize that you are in the presence of God
   
2. Look at your day with gratitude
   
3. Ask for help from the Holy Spirit
   
4. Review your day
   
5. Reconcile and resolve

Some people choose to use this at lunch and/or before bed. It can be performed every day, especially when working on specific behaviors or attitudes. Many who use it regularly do so weekly. The goal this week is to try it. By today’s end, choose a one-hour slot later in the week (ideally Saturday) to perform the entire EXAMEN in one sitting. You are welcome to try this more than once. In daily devotion time, we introduce one step per day, then use all five steps on Saturday (and Sunday). This is merely one interpretation of these steps to discern the movement of God’s Spirit in your day – and great for your Lenten experience.

Before you start: As with many spiritual disciplines, if possible, find a place where you’re unlikely to be disturbed, with limited external noise. Consider a candle or lowered lights for the activity. Relax and get comfortable, become aware of your breathing. Build a habit of quieting. This would be a normal routine to settle into Step 1.

Step 1. Recognize you are in the presence of God: While we are always in God's presence, prayer places us in God's presence in an especially attentive way. God knows us deeply and desires an intimate connection with us. Jesus says, “abide in me and I will abide in you.” As you quiet yourself, focus on God’s presence with you (and His creation and any others around you as well). Keep in mind God’s desire to BE with you. Then be still and know that you are with God. That’s it. Let your sole focus for today’s devotion be God’s presence with you and His desire to be with you.

Micro-Meditation