“Whatever you are doing, that which makes you feel the most alive…that is where God is.” (Saint Ignatius of Loyola)
This year the Society of Jesus, celebrates an Ignatian Year, marking the 500th anniversary of the conversion of Saint Ignatius. Saint Ignatius’ life and spirituality encourages us to see God in all things, to enter more deeply into the relationship of love which God invites each one of us into. One of the ways in which we can come to better know God’s presence, in every aspect of our lives, is by praying the Daily Examen, a gift which Saint Ignatius wanted to be shared as widely as possible. Why not take time this week, at the end of each day and try praying a Daily Examen.
- Find a quiet place, light a candle, still your mind and relax, become more aware of God presence.
- Begin by looking over your day with gratitude. As you reflect, acknowledge how God has blessed your day in the big things and small things.
- Take time and ask God’s Spirit to help shed light on the times you did not act as God calls you to. Allow the Spirit to lead you through this so you will not not be weighed down with self pity or guilt.
- Be honest and acknowledge your failures to love.
- Say sorry to God. Ask for God’s forgiveness and healing.
- Think about tomorrow, the people you will encounter, the things you have to do and ask God to help you to live tomorrow well, to be more attentive to his presence in every aspect of your life.
- Finish by saying, Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
(Image used with permission by Colum Ferry Photography)
For anyone interested in learning more about praying the Daily Examen and Ignatian Spirituality, there is a wealth of information available online.
