A Gentle Examen for the New Year
Every so often, the Spirit nudges us to pause, not to judge ourselves harshly, but to look honestly at the shape of our lives. Are we living in a way that reflects the One we claim to follow? Are our habits, our reactions, our desires slowly being formed into the life of Christ?
Today, I invite you to a simple, courageous examen of conscience. Not an exercise in guilt, but in truth. Not a tally of failures, but a turning of the heart toward the One who loves us into holiness.
Let this ancient prayer guide your reflection. Read it slowly. Let each line become a question, a mirror, a gentle invitation.
Lord, we pray,
that we may imitate what we worship,
and so learn to love even our enemies,
for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of a man who knew how to pray even for his persecutors.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
— Amen.
Now, let the examen unfold:
- “That we may imitate what we worship.”
What—or who—shapes my days? My choices? My attention? Do I resemble Christ in the way I speak, forgive, listen, and love? - “Learn to love even our enemies.”
Where is my heart tight, defensive, or resentful? Who have I quietly written off? What would Christ’s love look like in those places? - “A man who knew how to pray even for his persecutors.”
Do I pray for those who wound me, frustrate me, or oppose me? Do I entrust them to God, or do I carry them like stones in my chest?
This prayer is not a burden—it’s a path. A way of returning to the heart of Christ, who never stops inviting us into His own life of mercy, courage, and love.
May this examen open something tender and true in you today. And may Christ shape you, slowly and beautifully, into His own likeness.
Smitten With Goodness 