The Examen Prayer Quotes

“But what is so utterly foreign to many is the experience of falling in love with God. Religion, for them, is an intellectual exercise rooted in the individual conscience, rather than a response to a God who holds out a hand to say, ‘Let’s have an adventure!”
― Timothy M. Gallagher, The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom for Our LivesToday

“As John of the Cross writes so simply: “On this journey, we must always continue to walk if we are to arrive.”
― Timothy M. Gallagher, The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom for Our LivesToday

“To notice and resist the stirrings that would turn us aside from God’s purpose in our day? What will happen in our spiritual lives if we do live with such spiritual awareness, understanding, and action? What will happen if we do not?”
― Timothy M. Gallagher, The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom for Our LivesToday

“An Outline of the Examen This outline is based on Ignatius’s presentation of the examen in the Spiritual Exercises (no. 43). I place it here as an introduction to all that follows; it may also serve, once the content of this book has been assimilated, as a practical tool in praying the examen. Transition: I become aware of the love with which God looks upon me as I begin this examen. Step One: Gratitude. I note the gifts that God’s love has given me this day, and I give thanks to God for them. Step Two: Petition. I ask God for an insight and a strength that will make this examen a work of grace, fruitful beyond my human capacity alone. Step Three: Review. With my God, I review the day. I look for the stirrings in my heart and the thoughts that God has given me this day. I look also for those that have not been of God. I review my choices in response to both, and throughout the day in general. Step Four: Forgiveness. I ask for the healing touch of the forgiving God who, with love and respect for me, removes my heart’s burdens. Step Five: Renewal. I look to the following day and, with God, plan concretely how to live it in accord with God’s loving desire for my life. Transition: Aware of God’s presence with me, I prayerfully conclude the examen.”
― Timothy M. Gallagher, The Examen Prayer: Ignatian Wisdom for Our LivesToday