The final part of the Daily Examen, in the words of Ignatius:
The fifth point will be to resolve to amend with the grace of God. Close with an Our Father. (Exercises #43, 5)
This is the look ahead to tomorrow... and how tomorrow can be different with the insights learned today.
This is the "course correction" impulse of the Examen.
This is the alignment process of the Examen.
We ask for what we desire for tomorrow. We ask for strength, for grace, for humility, for whatever we need in light of what we have discerned. We ask for courage, wisdom, love, for whatever we need so we may do the missional work of engaging the world in the name of Christ.
Some of the genius of the Ignatian Way is that it is Contemplation, Reflection, Prayer and Discernment all is the service of Missional Service and Engagement. The Examen is not simply a self-focused time of prayer and discernment. It is a time to discover the Presence and Work of God leading us into the world for the purpose of "helping all."
So the Examen ends looking forward and looking outward and doing this with expectation.
I usually do not take very long in this final movement of the Examen. And I often do this with a deep sense of gratitude that I have tomorrow as another gift from God. I desire to make the most of that gift, that day, that opportunity... and always, for the greater glory of God.
And Ignatius counsels that we close with Our Father, who art in heaven . . .
So now you have the entire Examen as I practice it in light of the guidance of those who have practiced it much longer than I.
I encourage you to practice the Examen for the next 30 days and try to do it at least four of five times a week. Journal your experiences if that is helpful for you.
Next week I will conclude this series on the Examen by talking about a few practical details.
Brian K. Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
www.lci.typepad.com
p.s. Tomorow is an extra post for the week. it is a link to a very short reflection by Joan Chittister on why she likes the Jesuits. (Thanks for this link to one of my spiritual companions, Gordon.)
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