Readers of this blog may already be familiar with Reimagining the Ignatian Examen. We’ve featured flip books based on the popular book of the same name, and now Reimagining the Examen is an app.
Years ago, Mark Thibodeaux, SJ, created the prayer app before he even knew it. The novice director for the Central and Southern provinces jotted down themed Examens in a Word document that he would pray from on his iPhone.
This year, his Word document turned into the Reimagining the Examen app. It offers a modern take on St. Ignatius’s 500-year-old prayer. Its Examens can be adapted to users’ particular needs and situations. With thoughtful reflections on relationships, pending decisions, times of transition, or gratitude, users can review their day with God wherever they are.
“Because of my own experience of using it, I just knew this would work,” Thibodeaux said. “And younger people are even more engaged with iPhones than I am, so it was a need I knew people had.”
The app is based on Thibodeaux’s book, Reimagining the Ignatian Examen, which offers 34 adaptable versions of the Examen. Loyola Press created the app to complement the book in February of this year. With soothing music and step-by-step guidance, users can choose from one of the themed Examens—picking the reflection that best fits their current state of being—or select the Examen of the day.
Thibodeaux said he uses the app daily, as have many campus ministers and fellow Jesuits.
“If there’s any prayer that can be called a prayer on the go, it’s the Examen. It just cries out for an app,” he said. “I did my Examen today on an airplane, using my iPhone, and I didn’t have to be showy about it. No one even noticed what I was doing.”
Paul Brian Campbell, SJ, the publisher of Loyola Press, hopes users will gain clarity, mindfulness, and grace from this small but mighty practice.
“Reimagining the Examen gives readers the opportunity to take Mark’s excellent book and apply it to their daily lives on the go. It is our hope that this life-giving practice will offer users exactly what they need in the moment and beyond,” he said.
Thibodeaux agrees: “Reimagining the Examen offers you the chance to engage with God right there in the middle of your busy day, right there at work, right there at school, and bring God into the nitty-gritty of your day.”
Reimagining the Examen is available on iTunes or on Google Play. You can learn more about the app here. If you’re already using the app, let us know what you think.
I loved this app, but at some point it quit working after iOS updates!😭 I’m still hoping my request for help will be answered – apparently I’m not the only one who cannot access this beautiful prayer resource!
The app will not work as it needs updating in order to use it on a modern android phone. The present version is too old and will not download
I would love to use this but the app requires updating for Android 11
I would really appreciate a version that send it daily to my phone. Some days are so busy and I need a reminder. I would probably be more regular if this happened.
I would like to recommend that you put in the app two languages English and Spanish for the people who can’t read in english can also benefit from this great app.
Hello All! You can now find this APP in the Google Play Store!
Hi, Love the app. It’s a great way into the Examen, and I have recommended it to my congregation as such. My only comment is that it would be very helpful if it ‘overran’ the auto-lock on the phone – otherwise, as one is reflecting, the screen suddenly goes blank and the sound goes off! Perhaps this could be addressed in a later iteration? Peace.
Can we have a version for Kindle??? Please please….
As a school retreat leader, I loved the simplicity of the language and fresh ways of looking at prayer ie using the bowl of water for to hand for whatever is to much in life… pouring the water back into the earth and giving it back to God. What a wonderful way to build a deeper relationship with the human Jesus. My gratitude for the App. Kindest regards, Marie Finnerty.
When is a Windows version coming for those of us who don’t have Apple or Android?
I have been looking for an app like this for the longest time. I love the interface and how relevant the reflection points are. I’ve been spreading the word and the link since then. Thank you for making this available for everyone! Luceat Lux!
Hi
Thank you for this app, it is great. Just a thought I would love to use it with my Confirmation group and wondered if there is a way I can share an Examen that works with what we are doing without them downloading the app (space is always a premium!).
I’d love to be able to send them a link via whattsapp.
Please make the app available to Windows phone users.
Dela – now you can find it in the Google Play Store!
I used this app to “pray myself out” of a deep, dark hole in my life.
It’s an invaluable addition for one’s daily habit.
… but I think Ignazio may have mentioned that at some point.
Have just discovered the App, having used the book for some time. What a great resource! Have written a small review on my blog http://www.pilgrimtraveller.wordpress.com
This is the best spiritual tool I have encountered. I start my day with it. Revisit at noon and evening when I can. I even run with it on the treadmill. I first read about it during Adoration and now use it weekly in Adoration. This reflection tool has changed my life. I give thanks to God for this incredible gift. Blessed. My heartfelt gratitude for your time to develop it and open our hearts to this journey. Alleluia!
Love this app and have been telling people all about it!
http://www.deannabartalini.com/?p=2358
Sounds great! Any hope for a Windows app?
I second that motion!
I Third it
Oh please please do a windows version. I had my ipad stolen and have replaced it with a windows tablet. I had been used to using Examen and am devastated to find there is no windows version. I would be happy to contribute to the cost of developing one.
You can download Examen for free from pray as you go. Rather than pay on soundcloud via iPhone downloads. Windows much better than iPhone. I have just swapped and wish I hadn’t
I am very much interested. please facilitate