New book: The Ignatian Examen: Conversing Daily with God

Brendan McManus SJ

‘God comes to us disguised as our lives’ – Richard Rohr

Ignatius Loyola is often called the first psychologist for his understanding of the importance of the affective dimension in our lives – the role that desire, emotions and imagination play in our experience and interpretation of the world around us. He introduced a simple, five-step daily practice called the Examen, where we reflect on our experiences of the day, find moments of gratitude and learn from these in order to make better decisions for the future.

Ignatian spirituality, particularly the Examen, with its practical, humanistic and holistic approach, is well-placed to speak to our contemporary post-modern world. It can help us achieve balance in our lives, between prayerful reflection and active engagement in our society and environment– being, in other words, ‘a contemplative in action’.

Now Jesuit author Brendan McManus SJ has written a practical guide to this prayer practice.The Ignatian Examen: Conversing Daily with God sets out to translate the wisdom of the Examen into contemporary language and make it available, accessible and useful for seekers everywhere. Regular practice of the Examen, says McManus, can fuel our commitment to living the next day in a more aware, discerning and proactive way, making our Christian commitment a reality in terms of our decisions and actions.

About the author
Brendan McManus SJ is a spiritual director and retreat giver, currently working in Manresa Spirituality Centre, Dublin. He has written several books on the Camino and on Ignatian spirituality, including the award-winning Mess series.

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