SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

Jptl

According to Saint Ignatius, the examination of conscience is very important. The examination of conscience is more important than prayer, because if someone abandons their examination of conscience, then he/she cannot recognize his/her mistakes so as to improve. Therefore a Jesuit must do it twice a day, once at noon and another before going to bed. Ignatius advises a Jesuit to do his examination of conscience even in his illness; the same advice is not applicable for prayer.

Being in the same spirit of Saint Ignatius, I advise you to have the examination of conscience before going to bed. The following steps are recommended to do one’s examination of conscience:

First step:

Being aware of God’s presence around of me, beside me, in my heart and in my soul. Then, give Him an act of reverence.

Second step:

Asking God to grant the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, so that the Holy Spirit helps me to do this examination of conscience.

Third step: On graces

Asking for the grace of recognizing graces received.

Recognizing graces I received from the last examination of conscience unto this moment.

Thanking God for all these graces.

Fourth step: On sins or mistakes

Asking for the grace of recognizing sins and mistakes committed.

Recognizing sins and mistakes I committed from the last examination of conscience unto this moment.

Asking God for pardon of all these sins and mistakes, and resolving to amend with the grace of God.

Fifth step:

Speak to God and Jesus as needed. Close with an Our Father.

An examination of conscience is not only to recognize sins and mistakes committed, but also to recognize graces received. If we recognize many graces received from God each time doing examination of conscience, then it is a very good sign because we have a big progress on the eternal way.

HOME CHIA SẺ LỜI CHÚA LINH ĐẠO THẦN HỌC ĐỜI SỐNG SOME THEMES IN ENGLISH

SAINT IGNATIUS’ BOOK SOME BASIC KNOWLEDGE MATERIALS SUGGESTED SPIRITUAL COMPANION

SIX STEPS OF PRAYING REVIEW OF PRAYER DISTRACTION EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

Best wishes to you!

liempham

jptl@jptl.org