This post is part of a series.
In the rush of modern life, carving out space to reflect on our day with God can feel like a luxury. Yet for St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, it was a necessity. His classic Examen Prayer is a tool of spiritual attentiveness—a way to become more aware of God’s presence, action, and invitations throughout daily life. It focuses on keeping an account and awareness throughout the day, and at the end of the day, with your attitudes, feelings, and the actions of one’s conscience and intuitionn. • direct perception of truth, fact, etc., independent of any reasoning process; immediate apprehension.
• a function of the spirit rather than the mind
More, the inner life and witness of the Spirit.
Rather than being a guilt-ridden checklist or vague meditation, the Examen is, however, a structured and grace-filled encounter. And it can be beautifully summarized using the acronym GRACE.
1. Suggested Practice
- Choose a short Scripture passage (e.g., Psalm, Gospel story, parable).
- Use the GRACE structure above to move slowly through prayer and journaling.
- Set aside 15–20 minutes, ideally in the morning or evening.
2. GRACE
This simple Ignatian Jesuit meditation method starts with a passage to prayerfully read, and then asks us to answer these five questions and record your answers:
G – Gratitude
- Prayer posture: “God, teach me today, open my heart and mind to hear You…”
- Question: What am I thankful for today, and how can I begin this time of prayer with a grateful heart?
R – Request for Insight
- Reflective reading: Read or listen to the passage slowly and attentively.
- Question: What do I sense God is trying to show me in this passage? What words or phrases stand out?
A – Accounting of the Day
- Spiritual awareness: Let the Scripture shed light on your recent thoughts, feelings, and choices.
- Question: How is the Lord revealing Himself to me through this passage and in the events of my day?
C – Confession of Error
- Prayerful response: Offer what you’ve seen and felt honestly before God.
- Question: Where do I need to confess, be healed, or be renewed in light of what I’ve seen?
E – Envision Tomorrow
- Forward-looking discernment: Let God’s Word shape what comes next.
- Question: How is God calling me to live differently tomorrow in response to this Scripture?
Put this discipline in your arsenal, especially for end of the day prayer.