Question: I am looking for a prayer or spiritual practice to do at night that helps me process my day. Do you have any suggestions? Seeking in La Crescenta

Answer: Dear Seeking in La Crescenta,

Thanks for this question. It seems like you are on a path of wanting to use your daily experiences as tools for growth. Examining our day is key to becoming more grateful, learning from our missteps and asking the Lord for guidance. It might also lead to more restful sleep!

A practice I have found to be very grounding is the Daily Examen. This is a spiritual practice derived from the writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus. His Spiritual Exercises were first published in 1548 and form the basis of what is known today as “Ignatian spirituality.” 

In completing the daily examen, individuals place themselves in the presence of God, prayerfully reflecting on the blessings of the day, actions taken and the invitation God has for their future decisions. Many different versions of the examen have been developed over the centuries, but all are centered on the same five elements which themselves reflect Ignatius’ process of self-review and spiritual discernment.

This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen:

1. Give thanksgiving.
2. Ask for the Spirit’s guidance.
3. Review and recognize failures.
4. Ask for forgiveness and healing.
5. Pray about the next day.

For more information on the examen and to find different variations of it, visit ignatianspirituality.com.

With blessings,

Trish Swords, Director
Evangelization and Faith Formation
Holy Redeemer – St. James the Less Catholic Community