The Consciousness Examen
Restoring the Soul in Service and Mission
This spiritual exercise grows out of a meditative practice imbedded in the Hebrew experience, and cited in the Hebrew scriptures, especially in the psalms. In these prayers we discover an awareness of both the good and the difficult experiences in life, and with this awareness an acknowledgement of how persons responded, along with a reflection on God’s presence in it all. (eg. Psalm 139:23-24; 142; 77; 27)
In time this practice was more formalized within the Ignatian tradition and became known as the Consciousness Examen (a reflection on our life experience).
The following outline offers guidance in the practice of the spiritual discipline. It may be practiced daily, weekly, or you may choose to take it with you into retreat for a day and to allow more time for solitude and prayerful reflection on your life.
Preparation
Invite the Holy Spirit to help you see you life over the last 24 hours (or a period of time of your choice) as God does.
Meditation
1. For what am I thankful?
Look back over the last day or week. Let the events unfold and pass before you. In this relaxed recall of people and events, for what are you thankful?
2. Where have I noticed God at work?
In others . . . . in the larger world . . . in myself?
3. What attitudes are forming in me?
- Fear, anxiety, guilt, anger, shame, hostility, avoidance, etc.?
- Faith (my response to God: when I turned to God in some way)
- Hope (my response in the face of difficulties)
- Love (my responses to my self, others); areas in my day when I have responded to God’s love at work in me.
Where are your attitudes/responses taking you?
- Toward God, yourself, and others?
- Away from God, yourself, others?
4. Be in the presence of God now. Bring your own needs, your confession, and the needs of others. Allow Jesus to walk into your experience; be present to Jesus there. Know that you are heard, loved, forgiven, restored.
5. Be grateful. Rest in the presence of God.