The Awareness Examen, also called the Examen of Consciousness, is a method or way of regular open dialogue with God. It comes from a Spanish saint, Ignatius of Loyola, who died in 1556. Many find this exercise helpful at night before bed, but it is helpful also in the early evening, late afternoon, noon, or even morning. But generally, later in the day is when it makes most sense for most people. SOURCES:Joseph Tetlow, S. J., Choosing Christ In The World, Institute of Jesuit Sources, St. Louis, MO, 1989;David L. Fleming, S.J., Draw Me Into Your Friendship, The Spiritual Exercises, A Literal Translation and A Contemporary Reading, Institute of Jesuit Sources, St. Louis, MO, 1996; Mark Link, S.J.,Challenge, A Daily Meditation Program Based on The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, Thomas More Publishing, 1993, pg. 157; Rev. Paul Wachdorf, Mundelein Seminary, Archdiocese of Chicago.
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I take in the breath of life and rest in the presence of God.
a pause: in PRAISE of God
These are specific gifts of creation that this day I have
seen…
smelled…
tasted…
heard…
and touched…
(Name them.)
Now I remember what God has given me to draw me into fullness of life:
- natural talents and gifts in God’s own image,
- particular strengths in times of difficulty,
- ability to hope in times of weakness,
- sense of humor,
- life of faith,
- intelligence and health,
- family and friends,
- the beloved Son, Jesus, to assure us that God’s kingdom is being established,
- the Holy Spirit, to guide and sustain us,
- a vocation in which to love and be loved,
- a vocation participating in God’s creative, healing, transformative work…
a pause: in THANKSGIVING
Come Holy Spirit, enlighten me, make me aware.
Inspire me to see with growing freedom
the construction of my life story.
Come Holy Spirit, help me to look upon my actions and motives
with honesty and patience,
with neither condemnation nor complacency,
and thus be open to growth.
a pause: in HUMBLE DESIRE for AWARENESS
Now I review the day, hour by hour, searching for the internal events in my life.
Was my heart divided between:
- helping and disregarding?
- scoffing and encouraging?
- listening and ignoring?
- rebuking and forgiving?
- a word and silence?
- neglecting and thanking?
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Were there opportunities for growth in faith, hope and charity?
- How did I respond?
- What moved me?
When I made a choice, picking a particular course of action from the possibilities before me, did I act freely, or was I swept along without freedom?
a pause: to EXPRESS GRATITUDE for AWARENESS
Lord God, help me to look upon myself as you do,
with compassion, to see myself as you see me.
As I know your concern for me,
help me to know my need for you.
I am sorry for the sins of this day,
and ask you to forgive me
for when I resisted your light.
I thank you for your enlightening presence
and I give you praise for the ways
I have been open to your grace.
Your love for me is complete;
make me totally available to you.
Our Father . . .