I first discovered the examen by reading this lovely little book written by Dennis, Matthew , and Sheila Linn. These three have written a slew of short and beautifully illustrated books on the inner life. I wish I owned each one! The language and images really do evoke a childlike innocence and trust which in my experience goes a long way in the development of a “listening heart”.
Maybe some of you would like to try this prayer? For those that are interested, here is a brief introduction.
To begin, place yourself in an environment as free from distractions as possible. As this prayer is a way to “unpack” our day in the presence of God, I wait until after I put my daughter to bed and the house is fairly quiet.You might have a special space or chair for prayer. Perhaps sitting in a certain position helps you. I find it helpful to sit with a straight back and my palms up to indicate openness and receptivity. Some light a candle nearby to create an expectant atmosphere. The key is finding what is meaningful for you in connection to God.
- Bring your awareness to God’s presence. Be open to the peace and love that is all around you, and within you.
- Spend some time thanking God for the good things that have happened that day. This is where the idea of “finding God in all things,” makes us aware that gifts come in many shapes and sizes. Even in the worst days there is a glimmer of goodness: a child’s creativity, an email from a friend, a walk in our neighborhood.
- Go through the movements of your heart during the day. Think of times you felt a sense of connection to God, others, or self. conversely, think of times you felt isolated. After you do the examen a few times, you may begin to notice patterns in your emotional “temperature” during the day.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight the part of the day (and your response to the event) that needs attention. This may be time to notice a less than loving interaction with someone, or to highlight the need to make a decision in a certain area. Again, remember that the goal is not judgement, but growth in love toward God, others, and self. This step will likely be the longest part of the process.
- Talk to God about anything that surfaced during this time. Remember the divine heart is one full of love for you. Bring anything that needs healing into the glorious sunlight and talk it over with God as you would with a trusted friend. Prepare to spend a restful night in sleep and look forward to the coming day.
If you are interested in reading more on the subject of Ignatian prayer, you might look at some of the resources I have listed here.
Wishing you all a weekend full of peace and love,
Emmie
