The Examen : reflect, pray, respond.
What is The Examen?
The Examen is a prayerful reflection from the Spiritual Exercises which became a key part of Jesuit life and which can have a powerful impact on the lives of those who use it. It consists of setting time aside each day (for Ignatius twice a day, at midday and the end of the day) to reflect prayerfully on the events of the day and where God has been in those events.
It is a prayer of self-examination, where young people and staff review their day or week in God’s loving presence. The three ‘C’s’ of Jesuit Education (‘Competence, Conscience and Compassion’) could perhaps be more tangibly translated into ‘Head, Heart and Hands.’
The Examen is a prayer which engages the whole body. The ‘head’ and ‘heart’, as we recall the day’s happenings we take note of the emotions and feelings that arose. It is from the basis of these findings that, we are then called to learn and improve upon the day through action (employing our ‘hands’), for ourselves, others, God and creation. It is a practical prayer for people in action, on the move and in service of others.
Also available for your use is a link to a daily 3 minute retreat to take time out from the ‘busyness’ of our lives – pupils, staff and parents.
