One of the greatest gifts of Ignatian spirituality is a simple, powerful practice that takes just ten minutes but can transform your entire spiritual life.
It's called the Daily Examen—a method of prayerful reflection developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola over 500 years ago. Unlike a standard to-do list review, the Examen is a conversation with God about your day.
What makes it special? Unlike morning prayers (which look forward), the Examen looks backward—helping you recognize where God was present in your day, where you succeeded, where you failed, and where He's calling you to grow.
Every major Catholic spiritual director recommends the Examen. St. Ignatius considered it so essential that he made it part of the Spiritual Exercises, intended to be prayed daily.
What Is the Daily Examen?
The Examen is a nightly review of your day, done in the presence of God. It's not about guilt or self-criticism—it's about awareness and response.
Think of it as a spiritual check-up. Just as you'd review your finances or your health, the Examen helps you review your soul.
St. Ignatius believed that most of us move through life on autopilot—missing God's presence, ignoring His prompts, repeating the same sins. The Examen trains us to become more attentive.
The Five Steps of the Daily Examen
Here's the classic Ignatian method:
Step 1: Gratitude
Begin by thanking God. What are you grateful for from today?
This is crucial: research shows that gratitude rewires the brain. Spiritually, gratitude opens our hearts to recognize blessings we might otherwise miss.
Questions to ask:
- What moment today brought me joy?
- What gift am I thankful for—even small things like a good meal, a kind word, or sunshine?
- Who can I thank for their presence in my life?
Step 2: Review
Review your day chronologically. Walk through the events from waking to now.
As you review, ask:
- Where did I feel closest to God?
- Where did I feel farthest from God?
- What moments stood out—a conversation, a challenge, a surprise?
Don't rush this. God often speaks through the details we forget.
Step 3: Reflection (The "Disordered" Analysis)
This is the hardest part: identify where you fell short.
St. Ignatius called this looking at what was "disordered" in your day—not to condemn yourself, but to learn. Sin isn't just breaking God's rules; it's disordered love—putting things in the wrong order.
Questions to ask:
- Where did I sin or fall short today?
- What tempted me? Where did I give in?
- What patterns am I seeing in my life—same struggles, same failures?
- Where did I put myself before others, or things before God?
Step 4: Renewal (Contrition and Resolution)
Now, ask for forgiveness—and for the grace to do better tomorrow.
- Make an act of contrition: "Lord, forgive me for..."
- Ask for specific grace: "Help me tomorrow to..."
- Resolve to make amend where possible
Step 5: Looking Forward
Close by asking God to be with you tomorrow:
- What challenge is coming that you need help with?
- Who do you need to love better?
- What situation requires divine intervention?
End with a prayer of offering: "Tomorrow, I offer my day to You."
A Simplified Version (5 Minutes)
If 15 minutes feels like too much, try this condensed version:
- Thanks (1 minute): "Thank You, God, for..."
- Review (2 minutes): Walk through your day—highs and lows
- Sorry (1 minute): "Forgive me for..."
- Ask (1 minute): "Help me tomorrow to..."
That's it. Five minutes. You can even do it in bed before sleep.
When to Do the Examen
St. Ignatius recommended doing it:
- Every night before bed
- At a consistent time (make it a habit)
Some prefer 9pm; others do it right before sleep. The key is consistency. Like brushing your teeth, it becomes automatic.
Pro tip: Keep a journal by your bed. Writing a few words helps you see patterns over time.
Common Objections Answered
"I don't have time."
You have ten minutes. If you have time to scroll your phone before sleep, you have time for the Examen.
"I can't remember my day."
Most of us have poor recall. Try setting a reminder on your phone to review at 8pm. Review before the day's details fade.
"It makes me feel guilty."
The Examen isn't meant to produce guilt—it's meant to produce awareness. Yes, you'll see your sin. But you'll also see God's grace. Balance both.
"I'm not an Ignatian."
You don't have to be. The Examen is for everyone. Even Pope Francis does it every night.
Advanced Variations
The "Gross-Out" Examen (Weekly)
Once a week, do a more thorough review. Some spiritual directors call this the "general examination"—a deeper look at your spiritual health.
The "Five Finger" Examen
Use your hand as a guide:
- Thumb: Who helped you today? Thank them.
- Index finger: Who pointed the way? Ask for guidance.
- Middle finger: What's tallest in your life (biggest priority)? Is it right?
- Ring finger: Who do you love? Pray for them.
- Pinky: What's smallest? Don't neglect small acts of love.
The Examen in Couples or Families
Married couples can do the Examen together: share highs, lows, and prayers. Families can do a simplified version at dinner, asking children: "What was the best part of your day? What was hard?"
The Fruits of the Examen
Those who practice the Examen regularly report:
- Greater awareness of God's presence in daily life
- Freedom from habitual sins (seeing patterns helps change them)
- Deeper gratitude (starting and ending with thanks)
- Better sleep (the review replaces worry)
- Growth in holiness (small daily course corrections add up)
A Sample Examen Prayer
If you're new to the Examen, try this:
Lord, as I review this day, I begin with gratitude. Thank You for my health, my family, my job, my food, my shelter. Thank You for the moments of joy and the moments of challenge. Thank You for the people who loved me today.
Now, Lord, show me where You were present. Where did You speak to me? Where did You guide me? Where did I miss Your voice?
Forgive me for the times I fell short. Forgive me for my impatience, my pride, my unkindness. Forgive me for the times I chose myself over You and others.
Help me tomorrow. Give me the grace to love better, to serve more, to sin less. Be with me as I face [tomorrow's challenge].
I offer You my sleep. I offer You my tomorrow. Use me for Your glory. Amen.
Conclusion: Make It a Habit
The Daily Examen is one of the simplest and most powerful spiritual practices in the Catholic tradition. Ten minutes a night. That's all.
Begin tonight. Keep a journal. Watch your spiritual life transform.
Lord, teach me to review my life in Your presence. May I never sleep without examining my day, recognizing Your hand, and seeking Your grace for tomorrow. Amen.
Build a nightly habit:
- Use the MyPrayerTower app to set a daily reminder for your Examen
- Light a Virtual Candle as your "prayer candle" for evening reflection
- Submit your daily struggles to the Prayer Wall for others to pray with you
A Prayer for Grace
As you reflect on these spiritual truths, we invite you to join us in this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, we thank You for the wisdom of the Church and the witness of the saints. Grant us the grace to live out our faith with joy and perseverance. May our prayers be a sweet incense rising to Your throne, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen."
Deepen Your Spiritual Journey
If you found this reflection helpful, we invite you to explore more ways to strengthen your faith with MyPrayerTower:
- Join our Prayer Wall: Share your intentions and pray for others in our global community.
- Light a Virtual Candle: Offer a symbolic light for your loved ones or special intentions.
- Get the MyPrayerTower App: The full spiritual experience on your Android device.
- Chat with our Telegram Bot: Get daily readings, saint stories, and prayer reminders directly on Telegram.
May God bless you and keep you always in His grace.