“Gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love.” – Henri Nouwen

The Awareness Examen helps us concretely live out two key Christian beliefs (1) that God is present in ordinary and not-so-ordinary moments of our day; (2) that each of us can discover how God loves and leads us through every lived experience. St. Ignatius of Loyola recommends this daily prayerful reflection to help us grow in gratitude and awareness of God’s personal love for each of us, as we are.

There are many ways to pray the Examen. Click on an audio recording below to try a method. Afterward, journal using the prompts that follow each recording.

You can also use the simpler five-finger format, practice one gratitude habit at a time, or click here for an app.

For individuals

Click here for a self-guided handout.

Spend a few minutes writing down what remains with you, what surprised you, or what you discovered about God or about yourself.

For couples

Click here for a self-guided handout.

Spend a few minutes writing down what remains with you, what surprised you, or what you discovered about God, about yourself, or your partner.

For families

Click here for a self-guided handout.