THE SHORT EXAMEN

“In the morning form your intention and at night examine your conduct.”

Thomas à Kempis
The Imitation of Christ. Penguin Classics (2005), p. 49.

The Examen (Latin for a “test” or “exam”) was developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits. As the Jesuits spread of Gospel throughout the world — often in isolation and under the most primitive and arduous conditions — they relied on the Examen to keep them focused on God’s will and grounded in their own demanding ministries. It is not a prayer, but a framework for personal prayer. It can easily be accomplished in no more than five minutes at the beginning and end of the day — but most especially at the end of the day. Briefly, here is the format for an evening Examen:

Give thanks to God for all His gifts — especially those experienced today.
Ask God for the grace to know your sins and to be rid of them.
Examine your day, hour by hour, regarding your thoughts, words and deeds.

If it is helpful —

Ask God to help you recall the very best moment in your day — the one for which you are most grateful. Reflect on it for a minute or two. What made it special? Recall your feelings at the time. Why does it warm your heart now, hours later? Thank God for that and other good moments in your day.

Ask God to help your recall the moment for which you are least grateful today. Reflect on it for a minute or two. What made it stand out? Recall your feelings at the time. Why does it repel your heart now, hours later? Don’t try to project how it could have gone better, but just ask God to love you just as you are. Ask yourself: Where did I fail to love today?