The prayer of Examen is traditionally ascribed to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, (1491-1556). This Spanish nobleman was seriously injured in a battle with France in 1521, and in his recuperation, he read romantic novels about the life of Christ and the saints, and felt compelled to join their ranks, so he devoted himself to prayer and fasting, traveled to the Holy Land, and sought to live a Christ-like life there. The collection of followers who gathered around him became the Jesuit monastic order, and it is in the Book of Spiritual Exercises created for that community that the prayer of examen is first found in print. For the Jesuits, praying the prayer of examen twice daily, once at noon, and once at the end of the day continues to be a core discipline.
(derived from the Catholic Encyclopedia online- http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07639c.htm).
If you are curious about how the Ignatians themselves teach the Examen, here is a link to their homepage, with some fascinating teaching tools.
Ignation Spirituality Homepage
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Sorry for the posting under this - looking at anabaptists and mennonites and such tonight. Found your blog because you are in the St. Louis area. Had a question. What is the difference you guys and conservative mennonites - apart from the prairie dresses?
ReplyDeleteDepends on who 'you guys' are. Saint Louis Mennonite Fellowship is different than conservative Mennonites in that we welcome women in leadership, are more likely to engage in the political process, and are more comfortable acknowledging the multiple voices in the Biblical text. We share a commitment to peace, simple living, and a commitment to following the life and teachings of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteyou're welcome to come check us out if you're curious.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Samuel