We can all benefit from a daily check-in on our spiritual health. Consider it soul care. As author Annie Dillard writes, “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” We’d best be intentional about all aspects of health, to live the life God intends for us, loving ourselves so that we can love our neighbors.
More than 500 years ago St. Ignatius of Loyola developed a check-in method known as daily examen. The daily examen invites us to prayerfully reflect on the day’s events to identify God’s presence in our day and discern God’s direction for us. At the end of the day, sit quietly and become aware of God’s presence. Then review the day with gratitude. Where did you experience God in the day? Next, pay attention to your emotions. Then choose one feature of the day and pray from it. Finally, look toward tomorrow. Do this each day and you will create a habit of prayerful, thoughtful reflection as you care for your soul.
This message is excerpted from “Soul care” by Linda Post Bushkofsky in the January/February 2023 Gather magazine.
Copyright © 2025 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected]. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.