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Prayer Aid:The Examen of Consciousness
Discernment means to discover in one’s life the working of the Holy Spirit or the working of the Evil Spirit, whom Ignatius calls “the enemy of human nature.”
In order to help us discern the working of these two spirits, Ignatius gave us the Examen of Consciousness.
It is important to remember that God is not only present to each person but actively present, at work in our daily life. Ignatius suggested that we pay attention to our heart because it is there that the Spirit of God is most discernable. How is the Spirit moving, guiding, challenging, correcting me for a healthy spiritual life?
The prayerful use of the Examen of Consciousness is meant to help one discern the working of the Holy Spirit in the heart. God is in love with me and wants the best for me. This prayer practice of the Examen is meant to help me to discover this in my life.
[This Examen of Consciousness is not meant to examine my conscience to see where I may have sinned for Confession.]
This method provides a powerful step-by-step process that greatly enhances one’s prayer and spiritual life. Try spending 10 minutes praying it on a daily basis.
The following five steps are suggested for making the Examen of Consciousness
1) God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me. I am grateful for this love.
2) God, you know my needs better than I do. Give me your light and help as I review my day. I need help to see my motives, values that I live by.
3) God, help me to review the events of this day in order to recognize your blessings and my failures. Help me to notice the opportunities given and the blessings I didn’t recognize.
4) God, I ask your forgiveness for my mistakes and I thank you for all yourpersonal blessings to me. You are very good to me.
5) As I look forward to the remainder of this day [or tomorrow] make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to become the person you want me to be. Be with me and help me to be aware of your presence and love.
It is important to note that the abovesteps are not rules but guidelines for anyone to follow and adapt in whatever way most benefits your prayer life.
Click hereif you wish to read some thoughts on prayer by Mother Theresa. |
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A suggestion:
Why not sit by the water, catch the rainbow’s beauty, and ask the Spirit to guide your Examen of Consciousness – especially noticing the way God is beautifying your heart. God is at work in you. |
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“Ask and you shall receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened.” Has this been your experience? How would you rate your effort toward prayer? Each person develops one’s own style of praying from experience and the help of the Holy Spirit. Praying from your heart may prove to be the most “effective” way to pray.
Following are some links to help you with your prayer:
v Conversational Prayer v Imaginative Prayer v Holy Reading
v Prayer & Discipleship v Quiet Prayer v Review of Prayer
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