I recently prayed through Fr. Mark Thibodeaux’s Reimagining the Ignatian Examen, an innovative and challenging collection of Examen prayers. I did this with a handful of friends, some of whom were new to Ignatian spirituality. Approaching this foundational Ignatian prayer in the company of fresh eyes deepened my own experience of the Examen, highlighting words and phrases that I often brush past too quickly.
One such example, raised by one of the Ignatian newcomers, was, What does it mean to begin an Examen “in my usual way”? Fr. Thibodeaux begins each of his Examens with this point to begin in the so-called “usual way.”
This instruction is grounded in the Ignatian tradition, drawn from the Spiritual Exercises. St. Ignatius begins most of his meditations by telling the exercitant to engage in “the usual preparatory prayer.” What does he mean?
It’s a good question. “Catholics might bless themselves,” I said. “It’s an invitation to a fully embodied prayer. How you sit or stand while at prayer and where your prayer takes place—these kinds of things account for your ‘usual way’ of doing the Examen.”
“Well,” my friend replied, “what’s your usual way?”
Another good question—and one that demanded some thought. I have some books I read before and after my Examen, with a quote from the mystics and the day’s Gospel passage. I try to journal after my Examen, which, while not a preparatory prayer, is still key to my experience.
I do all this in the morning, preferably after I’ve gotten some exercise in and before my girls come clamoring down the steps. The lights are soft, the house is quiet, and I sit in our cozy living room, usually cross-legged on the floor.
That provided a satisfactory answer for my friend, but I’ve come back to the question again and again, in part because I love this Ignatian instruction. I love the invitation to shape my own prayer experience and the reminder that I bring something unique—of body, mind, and spirit—to the daily practice. It’s ritual, pure and simple. The act of prayer is an outward sign of its inner purpose; we are uniquely and “wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and placed in a specific time and setting.
But what this question from my friend and my consequent response have helped me see is an obstacle in my prayer. I love “my usual way” of entering into prayer. But I don’t always get the chance to begin my day in such a state of peace.
I oversleep or purposefully ignore the call of those dumbbells and my stationary bike. My girls come downstairs too early or have a bad dream and wind up asleep on my face. The cats get into a fight or throw up on the floor, or I just waste too much time scrolling through my phone or making the coffee. All of this amounts to “my usual way” being thrown into chaos. And my usual response becomes, I guess I’m not praying today.
The real challenge, then, that my friends offered me and that I now offer to you is: Discover your usual way of prayer, the unique ritual through which you enter into God’s presence. But don’t let that become an excuse for ignoring prayer when your days inevitably fall short of those perfect conditions.
“My usual way” is simply the one that brings me to God by way of the people, places, and things God has already placed in my path: those early-rising daughters, the rambunctious duo of cats, and my own reluctance to drag myself out of bed and work up a sweat.
Those things, too, are pathways to God—and they’re uniquely mine. What are your pathways?
Photo by Ivan Samkov on Pexels.
When I signed up for the 31 days journey, I searched my bookshelf for my St. Ignatius books and grabbed my copy of the same book you mentioned. I pray the Divine Office daily and have included the examen from Father Mark as part of my night prayer. I appreciate the opportunity to review, reflect, and release before I begin my rest. I, too, have dogs that have learned rather quickly to not interrupt me when I am praying. I attribute this to God’s grace and love for all his creation. However, they also know when I am done, it’s time for bed! Thanks for your reflection!
I always enjoy your articles, Eric. I have had a hard time sticking to my own prayer schedule. Ever since I knew my school was closing, I don’t feel like sitting still and I am unfocused. I have always looked forward to my Examen, but now I rush through it.
By the way, They wanted me to drive 45 minutes away to teach at another school. With winters in Erie, I said no thank you. So I am retired for now. I will continue to try to find God in the new things.
My usual way is my longing to begin my day, as I’m in the space between sleep and waking, in the reality of God’s having kept me through the night and brought me safely to another day. I long to begin the day in God’s presence and live in the settled reality of knowing I am never alone. Examen has been for me the transformative practice that has enabled me to live in step as I go through my day. In the midst of caregiving, I am daily being shown grace and mercy as I lean into my weakness and turn in my need for God’s help. Examen has been the graced means of being with God in truth, with what is. So thankful that grace and truth are brought together for me as I begin my day experiencing the wonder of life with God. Thanks for this space to be thankful and be encouraged.
I usually pray for a large number of family and friends, by name. Some mornings, things happen! When that happens, I ask God to meet the needs of those on my prayer list, telling myself he knows who is on it. I think I’m cheating though. Peggy, age 83
Thank you Eric, fro keeping it real.
Thank you Eric for your writing. I enjoy your personal reflections on how you pray and just your spiritual life in general.
Thanks Eric. Recognizing one’s pathways to God is a healthy beginning. Thereafter everything is bound to fall in place.
I sometimes challenge my usual way when engaging in my examen. Trying a different space for reflection or a new reading helps to stay engaged, flexible, and open to seeing God in all places and all circumstances. By breaking with routine I feel more connected to finding what I need to make the most of my examen.
Y-E-S, the EXAMEN is a powerful way to connect with self IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD strengthening and deepening our relationship with the Father who sustains us, the Son who has reconciled us with the Father and the Holy Spirit who inspires us in the pursuit of all that is good. The Trinity who walks with us in our in “our usual way” and who also walks with us in our “not so usual way” of prayer. The “not so usual way” may well be God’s way of reminding us that we are NOT iN CONTROL and that He/She meets us in ways that strengthen and deepen our relationship with Him/Her if we remain receptive AND RESPONSIVE to His Presence in all of our planned and unplanned opportunities for prayer.
How honest of you to share your desire for and entering into prayer.
Sometimes I get upset if my usual way is not possible.
I’ve found alternate times to pray because I love God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Friendship with the Trinity brings me joy.
The Examins are a guide and it is so helpful and blessed.