What is the Daily Examen?

The Daily Examen is a form of prayer and self-reflection that is a regular practice in the Catholic Church. It is a simple and effective way of reviewing your day, reflecting on your experiences, and finding God’s presence in your life.

The Daily Examen is typically done at the end of the day, although it can be done at any time. It involves a structured process of prayerful reflection, often broken down into five steps:

Gratitude: Begin by thanking God for the blessings of the day, both big and small.

Review: Reflect on the events of the day, paying attention to both the positive and negative experiences, and considering how you responded to them.

Sorrow: Acknowledge any mistakes or areas where you fell short, and ask for God’s forgiveness.

Forgiveness: Reflect on the day’s challenges and how you may have hurt others, and ask for the grace to make amends and grow in compassion.

Hope: End the Examen with a prayer of hope and a desire to do better tomorrow.

The Daily Examen is a way of developing a habit of self-reflection and mindfulness, helping you to become more aware of God’s presence in your daily life and grow in wisdom and virtue.


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