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PrayersMarch 17, 2026

Examining Your Conscience for the Past Year (Annual Examen)

Don't just look forward. Look back. A step-by-step guide to reviewing your year with God. Where was He present?

M
MyPrayerTower Team
5 min read Theological Reflection

St. Ignatius of Loyola taught us the Examen. Normally, we do it at night. But you can do it for the whole year.

The 5 Steps (Annual Edition)

  1. Light: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the year as He sees it.
  2. Thanksgiving: Scroll through your calendar month by month. What were the highlights? (The vacation, the promotion, the baby). Thank Him.
  3. Feelings: Look for the lowlights. Where were you sad, angry, or distant from God? (The breakup, the failure). Don't judge it. Just feel it with Him.
  4. Sorrow: Where did you say "No" to God? Ask forgiveness.
  5. Hope: Look at the year ahead. What is one thing you are looking forward to?

Journal your answers. Use the Prayer Journal feature in the MyPrayerTower app.



A Prayer for Grace

As you reflect on these spiritual truths, we invite you to join us in this prayer:

"Lord Jesus, we thank You for the wisdom of the Church and the witness of the saints. Grant us the grace to live out our faith with joy and perseverance. May our prayers be a sweet incense rising to Your throne, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen."


Deepen Your Spiritual Journey

If you found this reflection helpful, we invite you to explore more ways to strengthen your faith with MyPrayerTower:

May God bless you and keep you always in His grace.

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
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