A Daily Examen
The Daily Examen is pretty straightforward: Somewhere towards the end of the day, take 10 minutes and prayerfully look back on what you did and thought, and bring your day into the light of Christ. Traditionally, the two categories of investigation are “consolations” and “desolations”—inner spiritual experiences that accompanied the acts of the day—that can both be listened to as guidance from God the Holy Spirit.
Begin with a pause and five slow, deep breaths. Ask God for his divine help to bless your memory so that you can see truthfully into the day that is past.
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Thanksgiving for Gifts and Consolations
What gifts did God give you today?
Of a sense of his presence? When?
Of hearing his voice in his Word? What did he say?
Of material blessing or comfort? What was it?
Of spiritual joy?
Thank God for them. And like the Blessed Virgin Mary, treasure these things in your heart.
Inquiry into Sins and Desolations
Are you conscious of any commissions of sin? If so, repent to the Lord for these specifically.
Today, at any point, were you Resentful? Selfish? Dishonest?
Do you owe an apology to anyone?
Was there anyone you failed to love?
Was there anything that you did that the Lord Jesus would have be done in a better manner?
Did you get lost in hurry and engrossment? When? What precipitated it?
Did you experience inner bewilderment and lostness? What precipitated it?
Looking Ahead To Tomorrow
What aspect of your inner life do you want to focus your attention and spiritual labor on tomorrow?
Pray for the Holy Spirit to transform your will.
Note: Fr. Ben Jefferies compiled this Daily Examen from multiple sources and first published it in the St. Bernard Breviary. A PDF of this Daily Examen is available below:
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