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How to Pray the Examen

1. Place yourself in God’s presence. Give thanks for God’s great love for you. 

2. Pray for the grace to understand how God is acting in your life. 

3. Review your day — recall specific moments and your feelings at the time. 

4. Reflect on what you did, said, or thought in those instances. Were you drawing closer to God, or further away? 

5. Look toward tomorrow — think of how you might collaborate more effectively with God’s plan. Be specific, and conclude with the “Our Father.”

Different Needs, Different Examens

An Everyday Examen

No matter what kind of day you're having, you'll find God in it with this Examen.

An Examen for Racism

Examine how your actions and privileges harm our Black brothers & sisters.

An Examen for White Allies

Discern how you can recognize your privilege and advocate for racial justice.

An Ecological Examen

Discern opportunities in your day to embrace ecological justice.

A Daily Examen Podcast

Listen in as Fr. James Martin, SJ, guides you through the daily Examen.

An Examen for Civic Life

Reflect on the interrelationship between Gospel values and political engagement.

An Examen for Refugees

Recommitment to accompanying, serving and advocating for refugees.

An Examen During Covid-19

Take time to reflect during a period of uncertainty and rapid change.

Additional Examen Resources

Examen Live! An Initiative of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality

Find more episodes of Examen Live! from the Office of Ignatian Spirituality. 

Stories from Living the Examen

How This Ancient Meditation Practice Changes My Day

By Mike Jordan Laskey

Why We Pray the Examen Each Night with Our 11-Month-Old

By Clarissa Aljentera

The Prayer That Changed Everything

By Patty Breen