We have been reflecting on the theme of humility for the last four days, inspired by the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee’s prayer was self-righteous and boastful. The tax collector’s prayer was an honest plea to God for mercy. Jesus tells us that at the end of the day, the tax collector went back home justified. A reminder to us that
faithfulness matters more than success or recognition.
Ignatian Spirituality insists that God can be found in all things. The examen is a prayerful reflection on the events of the day to detect the presence of God and discern God’s invitation and direction for us.
I invite you to practice this prayer (Examen):
Sit
comfortably.
Begin by becoming aware that you are in God’s presence. Ask God to make his presence known to you. Pause.
Take a moment to express gratitude, thanking God for the gifts or blessings you have received today. Pause.
Reflect on your relationship with God. Reflect on the week and consider how you have been praying and
thinking about humility. How is your relationship going? When you look at God’s face, how do you feel? Ask God to reveal himself to you. Pause.
You have been asking for the grace to be humble. Talk to God about your relationship with others. Have rules and laws helped or hindered your relating to others? Pause.
You may want to revisit one of your prayers from
this week, when you had the strongest emotional responses as you reflected. Revisit this moment, asking God to give you some insight to help you move forward. Pause.
Finally, ask God, “What would you like me to do about humility in my life?” What shifts might I make? What might I need to let go of to make space for humility in my life? What concrete action might I need to take? Pause.
As you come to the end of your Examen, I invite you to say this prayer:
