Prayer: The Prayer of Examen

Ignatius of Loyola developed the Examen as a daily prayer practice for reviewing the day in God's presence. He considered it the most important prayer practice, even more essential than meditation on Scripture. The Examen has five steps: (1) Place yourself in God's presence and give thanks; (2) Ask for the grace to see clearly; (3) Review the day hour by hour; (4) Face what troubles you and ask forgiveness; (5) Look forward to tomorrow with hope.

Ignatius wrote in the Spiritual Exercises: "After the preparatory prayer and two preludes, it is profitable to examine the particular sin or defect that one wishes to correct and amend." The Examen was not meant to produce guilt but gratitude -- noticing where God was present and active throughout the day.

Practical application: At the end of each day, take ten minutes for the Examen. Light a candle to mark the time as sacred. Walk through your day slowly, noticing moments of consolation (when you felt drawn toward God, others, or life) and desolation (when you felt drawn away). Thank God for the consolations. Offer the desolations to Him. Close by asking for grace for tomorrow.