Monday, February 22, 2010

The "Examen Prayer"--and Lent


Yesterday in church, I was fortunate enough to hear Fr. Joseph Koterski, SJ, speak about the “Examen Prayer” in his sermon. This prayer, which comes to us from St. Ignatius of Loyola, is a good one to say—to meditate on—every day, but especially, of course, in Lent. It is recommended to do this prayer for about 10 minutes a day, ideally perhaps before going to bed.

The Examen Prayer is easy to remember: the key word is GRACE.

G stands for Gratitude: We thank God for something—or perhaps many things—in our life.

R is Request for Light: We request the grace to see ourselves clearly. We ask God to show us what He wants of us.

A stands for Account: We review in our mind our actions and thoughts since the previous day (or since we last made this prayer). We note the patterns of our thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

C: Chart Your Course: Do we keep moving ahead in the same way? Or should we change direction? Where do we need Contrition? Do we need to go to Confession?

E refers to Enthusiasm: We ask God for the grace to carry out our resolutions with Enthusiasm.

In Lent, here are a few issues that we may want to take up in our Accounting and Course-charting: How are we keeping Lent? How are we practicing the fasting and abstinence that are essential to this great penitential season? Are we practicing self-denial?--and greater charity and prayerfulness?

And how might we do it better, more generously?

2 comments:

  1. We just heard this on EWTN tonight. Fr. Koterski was on Sunday night live with Fr Groeschel talking about resurrection. He also mentioned the GRACE acronym. This sounds really helpful.

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  2. I also heard this yesterday and liked it very much. However, instead of E for Enthusiasm, I heard him say E for Entreating the Lord for the enthusiasm and energy to chart our correct course.

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