Discernment

Spiritual Awareness

Discernment Practice 1: Awareness Examen

Slow down and prepare yourself to pray.

Take a moment to pause and become still. 

Let your heart rest in the knowledge that God looks on you with love and care.

• Note the gifts God has given you today.

• Reflect on the blessings and gifts you’ve received throughout the day, both big and small. These may include moments of joy, connection with others, peace, or any specific blessings you have experienced. Give thanks to God for each of these gifts.

 Reflection Question: What gifts or blessings have I received today?

Ask God to reveal insights during this examen.

•  Invite God to make this time a special moment of grace and revelation. 

• Ask God to open your heart to what He wants to show you about your day and your choices.

Review the day with God.

•  In God’s presence, reflect on the stirrings of your heart, your thoughts, and your actions throughout the day. 

• Consider the moments when you felt drawn to God, and the moments when you may have been distracted or moved away from Him.

• Ask yourself: Which moments were of God? Which were not? What does God want to say to you about both?

Reflection Question:

What moments of my day felt close to God (consolation) and which moments felt distant from Him (desolation)?

What do I feel God might be saying to me about these moments?