The Examen is a form of contemplative prayer, typically prayed daily. Those who pray the Examen are invited to reflect on the previous 24 hours (or other time period that suits you) and notice where God may have been moving or speaking in their lives.
Although the basic Examen follows a standard format, I’m learning in my class this semester that the Ignatian way is to take a practice like this and make it your own. Part of my work here will be to share different forms of the Examen for you to play with if you’re interested in dipping a toe into this regular practice of reflection.
This particular Examen is the one I use nearly every day. Although there are no rules about how to pray, I like to pause after spending a few minutes on each step to jot down a few notes in my journal. Part of the beauty of the Examen in my own life is having the ability to look back and see where thought patterns have emerged, petitions have been answered, growth has occurred, direction has been given, and so on.
Examen for the Curious
For the people who want to know “why.” For those who stand in awe and wonder. For the Agnostics, the doubters, the questioners, the skeptics. For anyone who loves learning. For people who have too many nonfiction library books checked out and 57 open browser tabs. For the Enneagram 5s and 7s. For the curious.
Settle. Let your mind and body find stillness wherever you are. Begin the practice of noticing where you are in the present: Feel your weight in the chair or your feet grounded on the floor. What noises do you hear? Is there anywhere in your body that feels uncomfortable? Spend a moment gently noticing the here and now. If you’re familiar with breathwork from yoga, Pilates, or therapy, I find it can be helpful in transitioning my mindset toward prayer.
Gratitude. Think over the past day. Retrace your steps from morning to night. What things, big or small, are you grateful for?
Consolation. Where did you experience moments of peace, contentment, safety, joy, or love today?
Desolation. Where did you experience moments of pain, fear, confusion, anger, despair, grief, or “un-gratitude” today?
Wonder. In what ways did you experience wonder or awe today? What might God have been saying to you through these encounters with him?
Curiosity. What have you been pondering lately? What nagging questions are on your mind? What are you reading about, researching, or listening to? What do you want to ask God today?
Clarity. Did you experience any responses to past curiosities, questions, or ponderings? I hesitate to frame this as looking for “answers” because in the mystery of faith, things are rarely as straightforward as we want them to be. Still, think about if you received any sort of peace or clarity from God about something.
Response. To borrow a phrase from Visions of Vocation by Steven Garber, “Knowing what you know, what then will you do?” In other words, how would you like to respond to God about the things that came up in this reflection? Are there any moments of consolation/desolation, questions, or points of clarity that you’d like to spend more time reflecting on with God? Is there anything you need to take action on?
Close your reflection in whatever way feels right to you (or when you’re interrupted by a child or dog, as is often the case for me).
Past Examens
If you gave this Examen a try, I’d love to hear about your experience with it. How does contemplative prayer feel to you overall?