Examen for Student Affairs Administrators
Loyola University Maryland is a Jesuit, Catholic university committed to the educational and spiritual traditions of the Society of Jesus and to the ideals of liberal education and the development of the whole person. Accordingly, the University will inspire students to learn, lead, and serve in a diverse and changing world.
The Ignatian Examen is one element of the long Ignatian spiritual tradition that remains a relevant touchstone for many administrators, faculty, staff and students at Loyola University Maryland today. By engaging in regular reflection rooted in gratitude, our administrators grow into more reflective persons working to innovate and serve, inspired to offer an ever more loving response to the world.
We offer you now an opportunity today to pause, reflect and recommit to your work through a guided Examen in the Ignatian tradition. You may listen to this Audio Recording of the Guided Examen or you may read through the prayer below.
Center Yourself
Take a moment to become aware of God, yourself and your surroundings. Breathe deeply and ask for clarity and understanding.
Gratitude
What are you especially thankful for in conference experience? What new relationships or insights have you gained? Notice the day's joys and delights, paying attention to the small things, the people and the gifts of the day.
Review
Reflect on the feelings you’ve experienced during this conference. What has challenged you? What interactions with others have been significant for you? St. Ignatius taught that our emotions are windows into the movements of God.
Turn to God
Choose a moment of this conference to focus your prayer. What could you have done or said differently? What areas of growth do you see for yourself? Show yourself compassion as you seek forgiveness; resolve to forgive others; give thanks for the grace you have been shown by others.
Look Forward
In what spirit do you want to enter tomorrow? What goals has this conference and reflection inspired in you? Where do you want to focus your attention and energy tomorrow?
Examen Resources
We recommend the following resources to learn more about the Ignatian Examen.
Examen App
This app created by the Loyola Press is based on Thibodeaux’s book, Reimagining the Ignatian Examen, which offers 34 adaptable versions of the Examen. With soothing music and step-by-step guidance, users can choose from one of the themed Examens—picking the reflection that best fits their current state of being—or select the Examen of the day.
IgnatianSpirituality.com
Information on and experiences of Ignatian spirituality from Jesuit and Ignatian sources around the world, hosted by Loyola Press. Read an Ignatian Prayer.
IgnatianResources.com
Resources in Jesuit Education & Ignatian Spirituality, hosted by Xavier University.