The Prayer of Examen

By Scott Ferrier, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”
–Proverbs 4:23

Jean Corbon in his book The Wellspring of Worship said, “Where do you live?” (Jn. 1:38). The Lord is to be found only where men consent to encounter Him. Once we decide to cross the threshold of our own heart, we discover it to be the place where the wellspring sends forth its streams: “Truly, Yahweh is in this place, and I did not know!” (Gen. 28:16).

The examen prayer is a tool for the garden of our souls which, through practice, can cultivate and develop our skill in discerning the spirits that touch us at every moment of our lives.

Some members of Miles Jesu utilize the “Examen Prayer” from #43 of St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Spiritual Exercises as an alternative means of making the examination of conscience, particularly at the end of the day.

Transition: I become aware of the love with which God looks upon me as I begin this examen.

Step One: Gratitude. I note the gifts that God’s love has given me this day, and I give thanks to God for them.

Step Two: Petition. I ask God for an insight and a strength that will make this examen a work of grace, fruitful beyond any human capacity alone.

Step Three: Review. With my God, I review the day. I look for the stirrings in my heart and the thoughts that God has given me this day. I look also for those that have not been of God. I review my choices in response to both, and throughout the day in general.

Step Four: Forgiveness. I ask for the healing touch of the forgiving God who, with love and respect for me, removes my heart’s burdens.

Step Five: Renewal. I look to the following day and, with God, plan concretely how to live it in accord with God’s loving desire for my life.

Transition: Aware of God’s presence with me, I prayerfully conclude the examen. 

(The source of the outline above is from Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV, in his book “The Examen Prayer”, published by Crossroad Publishing Company, copyright 2006)