5 Steps of the Exercise
Blessed Mother, I come into your presence and pray that you help me complete this examen fruitfully.
Step 1. Act of Gratitude
Help me to be grateful for today’s moments, big or small: like a hug, reading, writing, Holy Communion, Adoration, Confession, completing a Rosary, surviving an enemy attack, having a place to live, and thinking of and talking with you, among others.
Step 2. Review
O Mother, help me recall anything special I may have done today.
Did I perform a kind act, smile politely at someone, make a sacrifice, say an extra Hail Mary, intercede in any way, or practice silence enough?
Or may I have sinned today? But to be careful not to disturb my conscience unnecessarily or indulge in scruples.
Was I judgmental, unkind, impolite, etc.? Where could I have been more considerate? Did I sin in my thoughts? Did I “fail to bother” about something? Commit a sin of omission? What does my conscience say about how I did today? Do I need to go to Confession? If necessary, pray humbly to the Trinity for forgiveness?
Step 3. Make an Act of Humility
I am Thine and all that I have, O most merciful Jesus, through Mary, thy most holy Mother! From all vanity, deliver me, O Jesus!
Step 4. Request for Grace
O Mary, help me to have a true devotion to you and practice a genuine Marian spirituality.
Step 5. Pray the “Hail Mary”
Results of the Examen exercise: May I become more aware, with all discernment, of Divine Providence acting in my life. May I learn to depend entirely on you!
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