Lectio Divina -
Imaginative Contemplation
- Prayer on Life
- Other Prayer from the
Spiritual Exercises
Particular Examen
- General
Examen
The
prayer that distinguishes Ignatian Spirituality more than any
other is 'the 'examen'. The word 'examen' is none
other than the Spanish name for 'examine' - A prayer commonly
known in traditional Catholic circles as the Examination
of Conscience.
In his Spiritual Exercises Ignatius introduces us to two forms
of 'examen' what he terms the General Examination and the Specific
or Particular Examination. As these terms imply, the general
looks at what has been going on generally in my day, while the
particular looks at some specific area where I am seeking to
change.
Particular Examen
I take some specific habit, sinful practice or habitual way
of behaviour that I would like to change.
It could be something like making nasty comments about someone
I don't like, or wasting time on internet games, or eating too
much.
- I start my day by acknowledging the desire
to change this particular area and asking God for the grace
to improve.
Twice in the day I spend a little time reviewing progress
so far:
- I give thanks to God for all the good
that I have received.
- Then I consider whether I have failed
in this specific behaviour so far today and if so, how many
times. I jot this down.
- I keep the record of my lapses for a week
to see if, with effort and God's grace, I can slowly get out
of the habit and live a life more pleasing to myself and God.
- To keep this area before my mind, Ignatius
suggest that I make a sign to myself each time I fall into
the offending behaviour.
Obvioulsy the idea is that with God's help, if I concentrate
on just one thing at a time I can bit by bit develop a
more Christian heart. Hopefully, day by day, week by week,
I shall get into good habits and out of bad ones.
General Examen
This has become a very popular prayer over the last few years.
Although in its original form it did tend to concentrate more
on how I might have fallen into sinful behaviour, today it has
been given a more positive emphasis, which many people find
more helpful.
At the end of the day (or just before I start the next day
if I am a 'morning person')
- I stop and quietly sit with my loving
God.
I consider all the good that has happened in the day: everything
I have done that I'm proud of.
Then I give thanks for all this good.
- I then ask for God's grace to see what
I might have done wrong, my sins and faults.
I consider too how I might have hurt others unintentionally.
- I become aware of my moods and feelings.
Overall how would I describe my day.
I then go over my day: all my thoughts, words and actions.
What are the good things that have brought me joy, consolation
and a sense of being alive?
What has disheartened me, made me uneasy, unhappy, bad tempered
and dispiritied?
- I ask God's pardon for my faults, for
hurting others, for not using my own time and gifts wisely.
I give thanks for using my gifts well, for loving others,
for all that brings me joy and consolation.
- Looking back on the day; are there good
things I need to repeat and other things I need to avoid?
I ask God's help to live a more fruitful and joyful life.
- I finish my examen prayer by speaking
to God in my own words or using a formal prayer such as the
Lord's Prayer.
