End of the Week
Ignatian Examen:
Walking with St. Stanislaus Kostka
The Examen is deeply valued by St. Ignatius himself.
He emphasized its importance so strongly that he advised, even if no other prayer is said, one should pray the Examen at least once a day—either in the middle of the day or at the end of the day before sleeping
In the Ignatian Examen,
we are invited to reflect on the events and experiences of our day
(or week) to recognize how God moves, lovingly communicates, and relates with us in every moment.
This prayer is a powerful tool for deepening our awareness of God's presence, as St. Ignatius teaches that God can be found in all things.
St. Stanislaus Kostka was a young Polish nobleman who heard God's call to religious life at an early age. Despite being just a teenager, he showed extraordinary courage and faith. When his family opposed his desire to become a Jesuit, he walked hundreds of miles across Europe to follow his calling, sometimes traveling in secret to avoid being caught by his family. Though he died very young at age 18, his brief life was marked by incredible holiness and determination.
As a follower of Ignatian spirituality, Stanislaus would have practiced the Examen daily during his time with the Jesuits. Like many young Jesuits, he would have used this prayer to discern God's will and grow in holiness. Today, his remains rest in the Basilica of Sant'Andrea al Quirinale in Rome, where many young people come to pray for his intercession. He was canonized in 1726, and his feast day is celebrated on November 13th.
Let's begin our End of the Week Examen
by making the sign of our faith:
In the name of the Father
And of the Son
And of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
I know that God is with Me.
I begin my prayer,
imagining God looking at me with the same love
He showed to young Stanislaus.
Like a loving parent watching over their child,
God gazes at me with understanding and care.
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Pause for 15 Seconds
Becoming Aware of God's Presence
I quiet my mind and heart.
I breathe slowly and deeply,
asking God to be present with me now.
Just as God was present with Stanislaus
on his long journey across Europe,
I know He is present with me
in my own journey and in this very moment.
Like Stanislaus who found God even in times of hardship,
I seek to find God in all moments of my day.
Pause for 30 Seconds
I review the Week.
I thank God for the gifts of this past week:
For moments of courage,
like those Stanislaus showed,
For times of friendship and family love,
For opportunities to learn and grow,
For chances to show kindness to others,
For the gift of faith, which Stanislaus treasured so deeply.
Pause for 30 Seconds
Reviewing the Week
I look back at my online interactions this week:
When or with whom did I feel God's presence most strongly?
What moments throughout the week
brought me closer to God?
What situations left me feeling distant from Him?
How did I treat others this last week?
How do I feel about treating others that way?
Did my actions reflect the values that Stanislaus lived by:
courage, devotion, and faithfulness?
Pause for 30 Seconds
I reflect on moments that need healing:
I think about:
Times I may have hurt others with my words or actions.
Moments when I chose the easier path instead of the right one.
Instances where I placed myself ahead of others.
Times I didn't show the courage Stanislaus would have shown.
Times that I turned away from persons who needed my help.
Lord, I ask for your forgiveness and healing.
Pause for 30 Seconds
I Look Ahead.
Loving God, help me to:
Be brave like Stanislaus in standing up for what is right
Show devotion in my prayers and studies
Be kind to my family and friends
Use my time wisely and well
Remember that You are always with me
Pause for 30 Seconds
Through the intercession of St. Stanislaus, grant me the grace to live with purpose and courage, always aware of Your loving presence.
St. Stanislaus, young saint of courage and devotion,
Help me to follow your example
Of finding God in all things,
Of staying faithful even when it's difficult,
And of loving Jesus with my whole heart.
Amen.
I close my prayer with these words:
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
In the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.