Ignatian examen

Examen is a simple yet profound prayer practice rooted in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. More than an examination of conscience, it is a daily way of becoming aware of God's presence and activity in the ordinary events of life. Through the Examen, we learn to recognize how God speaks to us through our experiences, relationships, thoughts, desires, and emotions, and how he gently invites us to grow in love, freedom, and authenticity.

Developed from St. Ignatius's own spiritual journey, the Examen became one of the central practices of the Spiritual Exercises. Ignatius considered it an indispensable tool for spiritual growth because it helps us cultivate a contemplative attitude in everyday life. Rather than focusing primarily on faults and failures, the Examen trains us to notice where God has been present, how we have responded to that presence, and how we are being called forward.

The traditional Examen follows five simple steps: giving thanks for the gifts of the day, asking for light to see clearly, reviewing the day with the "memory of the heart," asking forgiveness for moments of inattentiveness, and looking ahead with hope and trust in God's grace. Practiced regularly, it becomes a way of discovering God's loving action in the concrete reality of daily life.

This app is designed to make the Ignatian Examen accessible, practical, and meaningful for today's world. Whether you are new to prayer or experienced in the spiritual life, it offers a gentle framework for reflection, discernment, and personal growth. Through daily practice, the Examen can help you develop greater self-awareness, deepen your relationship with God, and learn to find God in all things.

This application is a work of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). The texts were developed in collaboration with Cristina Fernández Hoyos, whose contribution helped shape the spiritual and theological foundations of the app.