The publishing organisation of the Jesuits in Ireland.
The Ignatian Examen: Conversing Daily with God
€9.95
Brendan McManus SJ
For centuries, the Examen has been at the centre of Jesuit life. A simple prayer, it directs us to find God in our everyday life. Our feelings of frustration and joy and our daily encounters with others become the basis of a daily conversation with God, and with practice, we can learn to discern how God is communicating with us through our daily experience and interactions.
Brendan McManus SJ takes us through each of the five steps of the Examen, guiding us expertly to find God in our daily experience. He shows us how to use it to make better decisions each day and to find where God is leading us in life.
Why this book matters today
The Ignatian Examen is one of the most widely used spiritual practices in the Catholic world, used by Jesuits, parishes, schools, and individuals seeking to grow in awareness of God’s presence. The Ignatian Examen: Conversing Daily with God meets a growing hunger for prayer that fits into ordinary life rather than requiring special retreats or long training. It helps readers integrate a daily rhythm of prayer, reflection, and discernment into their everyday routines.
Who this book is for
This book is ideal for anyone who wants to try the Ignatian Examen for the first time, or for those who already know the basic steps but want to deepen their practice. It speaks especially to laypeople, busy parents, students, and ministry leaders who want a simple, structured way to pray each day. Through clear explanations and practical examples, the author guides readers through all five steps of the Examen in a way that is gentle, accessible, and spiritually rich.
How it fits within Ignatian spirituality
Rooted in the teachings of St Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen teaches people to notice God’s activity in their daily lives, to give thanks, and to grow in discernment. The Ignatian Examen: Conversing Daily with God connects this classic practice to modern concerns such as stress, decision‑making, and relationships. In doing so, it becomes more than a devotional manual; it becomes a tool for integrating faith into ordinary life, whether readers are in Ireland or elsewhere.
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9781788127660
Paperback
72pp
170 x 180 mm
€9.95
£8.95
About the author
Brendan McManus SJ is a Spiritual Director and retreat giver. He has published several books with Messenger Publications including Channelling the Inner Fire: Ignatian Spirituality in 15 Points;  The Way to Manresa: Discoveries along the Ignatian Camino, Brothers in Arms,  Living the Camino Back Home (with Katherine O’Flynn FCJ) , Surviving Suicide Bereavement, and, with Jim Deeds, Discover God Daily, and the trilogy, Finding God in the Mess, Deeper into the Mess and Emerging from the Mess.
Frequently asked questions about The Ignatian Examen: Conversing Daily with God
The Ignatian Examen is a structured prayer practice developed by St Ignatius of Loyola that invites people to review their day in the presence of God. It helps them notice where God has been active, give thanks, acknowledge where they have fallen short, and ask for guidance. Many Jesuits and laypeople use it daily as a way to stay connected to God throughout their busy lives.
The daily Examen usually follows five steps:
Give thanks to God for the day.
Ask for the light to see your day clearly.
Review the events of the day with God’s help.
Reflect on where you felt close to or distant from God.
Ask for forgiveness and resolution for the next day.
This book walks readers through each step in simple language, showing how to adapt the Examen to different times of day and different life situations.
This book is for anyone who wants to grow in prayer, especially those who are new to Ignatian spirituality or curious about the Ignatian Examen. It is particularly helpful for lay Catholics, small‑group leaders, youth ministers, and anyone who wants a short, structured way to pray each day without feeling overwhelmed. Even people who have tried the Examen before will find fresh insights and encouragement here.
Yes. The book is written in clear, accessible language that assumes no prior knowledge of Jesuit or Ignatian spirituality. It explains the background of the Examen, describes the five steps, and offers practical examples of how to apply them in everyday life. Readers can start with just a few minutes of prayer each day and gradually deepen their practice.
Many groups use this book as a guide for weekly or seasonal prayer sessions. A parish leader, small‑group moderator, or youth worker can read a short section aloud, invite reflections, and then lead the group through the Examen together. The straightforward structure of the book makes it easy to plan sessions, while still leaving room for personal sharing and discernment.