Reimagining the Ignatian Examen: Fresh Ways to Pray from Your Day by Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ

Reimagining the Ignatian Examen (Kindle ...$6.34)
Reimagining the Ignatian Examen (Paper ... $6.67)

This is one of my favorite books on the practice of prayer, which brings us into direct, personal communication with God. There are many ways to pray, and some are better suited to some personalities than others.

If you tend to be contemplative, and if you love to journal your prayers, this book is definitely for you. Even if you don't journal, this book could be for you, by going through the exercises mentally only.

If you've never practiced Ignatian prayer, here's how you do it:
1. Ask God to reveal the gifts and graces (large and small) that He's given you today, if done at the end of the day. If done at the beginning, thank God for yesterday's gifts and graces.
2. Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit and for the Spirit to be the initiator of the prayer time.
3. Repent of difficult moments when you sinned by commission or omission, and sense God's healing and mercy washing over you.
4. With what you learned during this prayer time about yourself and your life, ask God to show you how he wants you to respond, and what He wants you to do tomorrow. Who is God calling you to be? Resolve to be that person.

In addition to this general form of prayer, Mr. Thibodeaux includes 34 daily variations on the Examen as food for thought in our spiritual growth. For example,

Where are you? What do you seek?
the Hole in the Fortress Wall
Places, Things, Activities
Choose Life
Who do You say that I am?
My Greatest Fear

Do you like to write down your prayers when conversing with God? If so, don't hesitate to buy this book. You won't be disappointed.