Prayer of Examen
1
Silence
We start our review with centering prayer. Become aware of God's presence in silence, inviting the Holy Spirit into your discernment.
Consider whether you will review the past day(s) or week.
2
Consolation
When did you experience joy, wholeness, or peace? When did you feel close to God or a connection to his love?
Explore those moments. What was happening in you and around you in those moments? Use the feeling wheel to help name those emotions more specifically.
3
Desolation
When did you feel sad, apathetic, conflicted or distant from God? When did you feel disconnected
from his love?
Explore those moments. What was happening in you and around you in those moments?
4
Respond
In light of your reflection, how is God inviting you to respond? Lift that up now before God.
Possible responses: confession, repentance, a prayer of thanksgiving,
or simply allowing God's truth to be rooted in your heart.
Discussion
Sharing our experiences helps us to treasure the work God is doing.
What was the experience like for you?
What is one thing you want to hang onto from this time?
Download Examen Prompts
Shame
Romans 8:1
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:14-17
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.
Embracing our adoption in Christ frees us from the grip of fear and shame.
ENSLAVED PERSON
ADOPTED CHILD
Ignatian Imagination