Deepening Your Faith with the Daily Examen

“In all things, to love and to serve.” – Ignatius of Loyola

Hi friends,

This is one of my absolute favorite spiritual practices—one I started a couple of years ago. It has truly changed the way I experience God throughout the day.

More than that, it’s helped fulfill a long-time dream of mine: to practice the presence of God in the ordinary rhythms of life—not just during quiet time, but in the car, at work, while cooking dinner.

That practice is called the Daily Examen.

We live in a world that rarely slows down—where reflection is often replaced by reaction. But one of the simplest and most powerful ways to reconnect with God each day is through this gentle rhythm of noticing and responding to His presence.

The Examen is a 5-step prayer and reflection practice that helps you become more aware of God’s activity in your life. It takes just a few minutes and invites you to look back on your day with gratitude, honesty, and trust.

You don’t need perfect conditions or the right words. Just a quiet moment and a willing heart.

The Origins

In a world that moves quickly and often without reflection, the Daily Examen offers us a sacred pause—a moment to slow down, look back, and notice where God was present in our day.

It’s a practice rooted in the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, a 16th-century soldier-turned-mystic who founded the Jesuits. Ignatius believed that God was not distant or silent, but intimately involved in every part of our lives. He developed the Examen as a way to pay attention to that divine presence—especially in the ordinary moments.

Unlike deep theological study or long prayers, the Examen is accessible. It takes just a few minutes. No special tools or training required. Just a quiet heart and a willingness to be honest with God and yourself.

At its core, the Examen is about awareness:

• What stirred in me today?

• Where did I feel near to God—or far from Him?

• What can I learn, give thanks for, release, or grow in?

It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.

✨ The 5 Steps of the Daily Examen

You can do the Examen at the end of your day, during an evening walk, or before sleep. Here’s a simple rhythm:

1. Become aware of God’s presence.Take a breath. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you see your day through His eyes.

2. Review the day with gratitude. Walk through your day in your mind. Where did you experience grace, beauty, or joy? Thank God for those gifts.

3. Pay attention to your emotions. What moments felt heavy or hard? When did you feel peace or delight? Emotions often reveal where God is gently nudging us.

4. Name one moment to confess or surrender. Where did you fall short or feel disconnected? Don’t hide—God meets us with mercy, not shame.

5. Look ahead to tomorrow. What grace do you need for what’s coming? Ask God to walk with you and guide you.

   
   

Why It Matters

The Examen teaches us that God is in the details. He’s not only in our quiet time, but also in the kitchen, the car ride, the emails, the disappointments, and the laughter.

It’s a practice of daily reorientation—a way to come home to ourselves and to God. When done consistently, it reshapes how we move through the world: more attuned, more grateful, more at peace.

You don’t need a perfect routine to begin. Just start tonight. One quiet moment. One honest reflection. One whispered prayer.

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