While the Examen became ‘formalized’ by Ignatius around 500 years ago, the practice and purpose of this spiritual practice has its roots in the psalms of the Old Testament—especially Psalm 139.

Below, you will find some basic outlines of this time-honored discipline formatted for daily, weekly, or occasional rhythms, all meant to help center your “heart, soul, mind, and strength” on the person of Jesus.

The first four guides are our take on the Ignatian practice. The final five take the principles of the Examen but through the lens of Psalm 139. We suggest doing these practices in order, whether over consecutive days or weeks.