The Examen: Part 1 of 5 Ask God to Send His Spirit

In this episode we introduce the "Examen".  Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, (1471-1556), the Examine is a part of the spiritual exercises.  The practice of a daily Examine is part of the formation and life of those in the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits.
 
 The Exame  consists of 5 parts:
 
 1. Ask God to send his Spirit
 2. Give thanks for the day
 3. Review the day
 4. Ask for forgiveness
 5. Pray for the next day
 
 In this episode, I discuss Step 1, Asking God to send the Holy Spirt.  I talk about 12 aspects of the Holy Spirit that lend themselves to our Examen.  While these 12 are not all encompassing of the Holy Spirit, I believe they give a good understanding of what the Holy Spirit can bring to help us make a good and thorough Examine of our day.
 
 1. A Spirit of Life
 2. A Spirit of Glory
 3. The Spirit as Comforter
 4. A Spirit of Wisdom
 5. A Spirit of Truth
 6. A Spirit of Revelation
 7. A Spirit of Right Judgment
 8. A Spirit of Prophecy
 9. The Spirit of the Father
 10. The Spirit of Christ
 11. A Spirit of Holiness
 12. The Spirit as Advocate
 
 You may not practice the Examen daily, as to the Jesuits, however, even a weekly, or monthly Examen is worth the effort as it will help you orient your life towards a life centered on God.
 
 May the Lord grant you His peace.
 
 David Seitz, OFS
 [e-mail]
 
 www.tauministries.com

Want to learn more?  Check out the book

The Spritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola: With Points for Personal Prayer From Jesuit Spiritual Masters  by Fr. Sean Salai, S.J.

For a more in depth study of the Holy Spirit Check out the book, The Sanctifier: The Classic Work on the Holy Spirit

 

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