Scripture
2 Corinthians 9: 6-10
Brothers and sisters:
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written,
“He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Ignatian Reflection
Be a Cheerful Giver
St. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that God loves a cheerful giver. We often hear these words in the context of financial generosity, but the invitation is so much broader. God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts. Whether your gift is wisdom, faith, discernment, courage, compassion, love, or one of the other gifts of the Holy Spirit, they are meant to be shared generously with others.
Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is not money, but our presence: listening without distraction, encouraging someone who is struggling, or simply noticing a person who feels unseen. These quiet acts of generosity show God’s love in tangible ways.
As you pray today, ask God to help you give freely, not out of obligation, but with a loving and joyful heart. Imagine Jesus smiling as he watches you use the gifts he has placed in your spirit to bless others. Then go into your day seeking opportunities to be a cheerful giver, bringing God’s joy to everyone you encounter.
—Edith Hudson is a graduate of the Midwest Jesuit's Seminars in Ignatian Formation program, a spiritual director, and the police chief of Marquette University’s Police Department.
Ignatian Prayer
Aug 10, 2026
Prayer
Loving God,
Open my eyes to the opportunities you place before me.
Fill my heart with joy so that everything I give, my time, my attention,
my compassion, and my love reflects Your generous heart.
Grant me the grace to be a cheerful giver every day of my life.
Amen
—Edith Hudson
The Daily Examen is a prayer technique developed by St. Ignatius to help us reflect on the events of the day to discern God's presence and direction. When Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, he required the Jesuits to practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It's a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
The Examen structure presented below is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. Click here for more information from our partners in ministry at Loyola Press.
Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God's presence
God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude
God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions
God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it
God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow
As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
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