History of the Examen Prayer Examen is a Latin term that means "true weight of something," or "conveying the idea of an accurate assessment of the true situation." Also, to "inquire into" a matter. The examen, somewhat like a spiritual self-review, is most often associated with Ignatious (1491-1556) although some version of the prayer was practiced long before. Ignatious is called the "godfather of discernment practices." Examen was so necessary in his view that no Jesuit should dispense with it. Among the Christian fathers, Basil (329-379) told monks, "You will certainly grow in citue if you make a daily account of your actions and compare them with the previous day."   Why Pray the Examen Prayer? "The examen is the gateway to our being able to more fully notice the work of God thorugh the moments of the day." -Dan Hayes How to Do the Examen Prayer First prepare Light a candle to symbolize the Holy Spirit and Christ as light of the world. Candles are a way of shining light on both our past (the day lived) and the future (tomorrow). A candle can be an outward sign of our desire to be enlightened by God. Also, a ritual can signal our minds that we are about to enter into a different frame of mind. It is also important to relax. Think of a restful place and breathe easy. Also note that you can do the examen by yourself, with a friend or spouse, as a family, in a group setting, or with children at bedtime. Step 1 of the prayer: An attitide of gratitude Thank God for the day just lived. Remember the blessings in your life and God's promise of care and provision. Remember that you are in God's presence in this moment. Step 2: Ask for grace to make the examen fruitful This should be your pretition of the heart for understanding. Ask for insight into God's concrete working in your day. Ask God to help you to be honost with yourself and to prepare your heart for what you are about to hear. Step 3: Review your day with God Did I see God's care evidenced in my life today? Did I hurt anyone today? What was life-giving today? What was life-draining today? Ask the Spirit to show you where God has been in your life-inwardly or though others. You can trigger your memory by trying to live the day backward or let it play like a movie. What has touched you with joy, sorrow, fear, or pain? Step 4: Ask for forgiveness Receive God's grace. "What God does in response to our request: the loving embrace, the welcoming kiss, the joyful celebration, and outpouring of new life." -Gallagher Step 5: Looking ahead to the day to come, spiritual progress Plan spiritually for the coming day. See what you're doing just for God tomorrow. Sit next to Jesus. "Leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to look to what lies ahead." -Philippians 3:12 Helpful Tools with the Examen Journal the examin prayer. Sometimes a few sentences or phrases can help you remember when and how you experience God's presence. "It is good for us to keep some account of our prayers, that we may not unsay them in our practice." -Matthew Henry Doodle your prayers. As detailed in Sybil MacBeth's book "Praying in Color," a helpful tool to focus might be to doodle as you pray for specific situtions or persons- images that come to mind, a name, or just a symbol to remind you of the prayer. This serves as a great visual way to remember what you are praying for. Another Challenge Try an open-eyed prayer Pray for those you see around you. Go to a public place and pray for anyone you see there. Ask that they may see God's presence in their life. Starbucks, the gym, even just driving down the road, think of all the people you can be praying for! . . . Thank you to Becky Shoaf for offering this information.