What is the Prayer of Examen and how do we practice as a family?

Background

• In brief, the Prayer of Examen is a way to review your day and notice God in it. Where do we take note of God's presence and where did we miss it?

This is how I explain it to kids. Perhaps everyone would find it helpful.

St. Ignatius lived about 400 years ago.  He taught his Christian brothers and sisters to look for God all around and in each day.  Sometimes we forget to look for God during our day. So, St. Ignatius taught his brothers and sisters a type of prayer to use at the end of the day to help them look back and notice in order to give God thanks and also say sorry.

God is with us during every point of our day.  The things that feel good about our day are times when we may have experienced God with us and the goodness of God around us. And we want to thank God for that!

For instance, maybe my high point today was playing at the park with a friend. I can thank God for this time, and remember that he wants me to have friends and to have joy and laughter in my life.

Let’s pause and think of today…what good thing has happened so far that you can thank God for?

Then, through this Prayer of Examen, we also want to remember the times that were not so good.  We do that because we want to know what in our day pulls us away from our loving God, or distracts us, or doesn't reflect God's goodness. Then, we can say sorry to God and ask for help to look for God tomorrow or make choices that reflect God's love and kindness.

For instance, maybe my least favorite time of the day was when my brother and I got in a fight. I remember that didn’t feel good because he said something mean and I said something mean back. That not how God wants us to feel. So, I realize I need to say I’m sorry to God and maybe also to my brother. I can pray and ask God to help me show others how I care about them.

Let’s pause and think of today…what not-so-good thing has happened so far that you might want to ask God for help or forgiveness?

Remember, God is with us in the hard times too.  Remembering those times in prayer is a way to remember that God loves us aways and can help guide us in our day.

A way to practice...

As a family, you can take turns sharing around the dinner table.  Or, as a bedtime ritual. 

You can light a candle as a symbol to create the space and remind you of God's light and love that is always with us.

Decide on the questions you will reflect on today. 

Take a minute or two of silence to review your day in quiet. 

Then you can...

…share answers aloud

…draw a picture of each

…brainstorm with thought bubbles/thought mapping

…write it out on small pieces of paper or in a journal

Finish the time with prayer or a song.

Further Resources

"Sleeping with Bread" by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn, and Matthew Linn

Ignatian Spirituality website with The Daily Examen info