Lời Cầu Nguyện

Let Us Pray:

Ignatian Daily Examen

In May this year, Pope Francis announced the beginning of the Ignatian Year which is celebrated from May 21, 2021 through to July 31, 2022.  May 23rd marked the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556).  St. Ignatius founded the Jesuits and through his own spiritual experiences and conversion, taught the Jesuits how to deepen their faith and personal relationship with God. A core belief of Ignatian Spiritualty is that God is present and active in every aspect of our lives. 

A prayerful practise of Ignatian Spiritualty is the Daily Examen. This reflective exercise invites us to reflect over the events of our day and find where and when God was present and active. For example, through the conversations we had, the challenges we faced, the people we spent time with, the peacefulness we felt in the presence of nature, the small joys that made us laugh and so on. 

As a Jesuit himself, Pope Francis prays the Ignatian Examen daily and invites us all to do the same.

Pope Francis with a statue of St Ignatius

Quietly ready your mind and heart for a few moments, 

breathing in God’s love,

and breathing out anything that keeps you from noticing God’s presence.

As you work your way through the daily Ignatian Examen, pay attention to each of the 5 steps and pray from it.  

Become aware of God’s presence. When did you feel God’s presence? 

Review the day with gratitude. What were you grateful for? 

Pay attention to your emotions. What strong emotions did you feel? Why? 

Choose one feature of the day and pray from it. What are you thankful for or need support for? 

Look toward tomorrow. What do you hope for tomorrow? How will you enact it?

Amen.