Developing an Inner Listening to God

Examination (Examen) of Consciousness

(From Ignatius of Loyola adapted by Norm Shawchuck revised by Floyd/Joyce Grunau)

1. HOW DID I SEE THE MOVEMENT OF GOD IN MY LIFE?

Thank you Jesus for being near me. I ask you Holy Spirit to help me see clearly where you have been at work in my life. Show me where I have pleased you and brought joy to your heart.

Thank you Father for loving me by…  (Write down where you are aware of God moving in your life, loving you, using you during the day or week.)

2. HOW DID I FAIL TO RESPOND TO GOD’S LOVE FOR ME?

Thank you Jesus for being with me even when I struggle and don’t listen well. Show me where I have failed to see you at work today, where I have missed something by failing to respond to your love and where I have been wrong in my attitudes, actions, words and motives. Give me godly sorrow so I can confess my sins openly and honestly to you with a repentant spirit.

I’m sorry Jesus for failing you by…  (Write down the sins you have committed including what you have failed to do that you knew God was wanting you to do.)

I’m sorry Lord for failing to respond to your love, for my failures and sins. Thank you for forgiving me and cleansing me from these sins I have confessed and for restoring me into fellowship with you. Thank you for the gift of your love which I can never earn. Show me what changes need to be made in my life and which one now.

3. WHAT AM I SENSING GOD IS SAYING HE WANTS TO DO IN/THROUGH ME?

I sense Spirit of God you want me to…. (As you wait in God’s presence, write down the thoughts that he seems to give you about what you are to do or not do for the immediate future. Notice how you are responding to what you sense God is saying for what lies ahead. Are you feeling fearful, anxious, peaceful, angry, hope-filled, undecided, joyful, confused, excited? Express your honest response to God and invite him to speak his truth into it.)

Note:  For best results, the above exercise should be done regularly—on a daily basis or at least weekly. Keeping these prayers/thoughts in a notebook helps to remind you of what God is doing in your life and what he wants to do. The examined life is worth living!