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

Franciscan Dave

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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