Reflective living

‘Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you’. (Matthew 6:6)

Ignatius considered one practice in particular to be essential to the pilgrim’s inner journey. This is the prayer commonly known as the Examen, or Review of the Day, and he insisted that even if there was no time for any other form of prayer, this practice should be faithfully maintained. This review prayer invites us to spend a short time each day re-viewing the day’s events through the eyes of faith.

Making this kind of reflective prayer a part of our daily life is the foundation of the spiritual art of reflective living and the basis of an ongoing personal relationship with the God who dwells not only beyond us but also deep within us and all around us.

Reflection

As I review my day, for what am I most grateful? Is there anything I regret? 

What has encouraged me today, or challenged me? 

What has left me feeling more alive, more connected to others and to my truest self? Has anything happened that has left me feeling diminished or in some way alienated from others or from my truest self? 

In what ways have I been aware of the presence of God, perhaps through the kindness of others? How might I wish to express, in prayer, my response to the day’s events?

Prayer for today

Lord, please help me to make space to reflect, in your light, on the events and encounters of the day. Awaken my heart to know the reality of your Presence in every moment. Guide my steps and be my ever-present companion.

Novena prayer

Lord, I come into your presence, drawn by your Holy Spirit, inspired by the life and teaching of your servant Ignatius and bringing before you my own intention in this special time of prayer (name your personal intention). Like Ignatius, I desire to know you more clearly, to follow you more nearly and to love you more dearly. Echoing his words and in the power of your Spirit, I dare to pray: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours, dispose of it according to your will. Give me only your love and grace. This is enough for me.