Scripture
Ezekiel 33: 7-9
Thus says the Lord:
So you, mortal, I have made a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, “O wicked ones, you shall surely die,” and you do not speak to warn the wicked to turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but their blood I will require at your hand. But if you warn the wicked to turn from their ways, and they do not turn from their ways, the wicked shall die in their iniquity, but you will have saved your life.
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
The Importance of Faithful and Engaged Community
In our increasingly insular world, a true sense of community is easily lost. We often live far from family and are disconnected from neighbors, colleagues and those from other generations. Today’s Old Testament reading from Ezekiel reminds us of the value and responsibility these vital bonds provide.
Ezekiel highlights our collective duty by appointing community members as "watchmen for the house of Israel." This role remains critical today. By serving as invested, humble guides, we can offer care, insight, and perspective to those who begin to stray…and others can do the same for us.
Embracing this calling ensures people feel seen and supported through life's daily struggles. Caring for one another at the local level does more than build social ties; it allows the presence of the Trinity to manifest deeply, strengthening and sustaining us collectively.
—Br. Mark Trombley, SJ, is a Jesuit of the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago and working at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL.
Ignatian Prayer
Sep 6, 2026
Prayer
Prayer for a Watcher’s Heart
Heavenly Father,
In a quiet and isolated world where we so easily slip into our own routines, we confess that we often lose sight of the people right next to us. We live far from family, pass by our neighbors in silence, and look right past others in our lives. Forgive us for the times we have let convenience pull us apart.
Today, you call us through the Prophet Ezekiel to a higher purpose: to be ‘watchers’ for one another. Grant us the courage and the humility to accept this sacred responsibility. Awaken our hearts to be invested guides who notice when a sister or brother begins to stray. Give us the gentle insight and perspective needed to step in with love, not judgment, providing care and guidance.
Help us to look out for the lonely and those facing life's heavy challenges. May our local communities become places where your holy presence is tangible. Let the grace of your Holy Trinity manifest deeply within our shared bonds, strengthening and sustaining us collectively as one body in your name…
Amen
—Br. Mark Trombley, SJ
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.
All fields are optional except for the prayer request. Please know that will we only share your first name and complete request when praying for your intention. Your name and email address will never be shared with anyway, nor will you receive any additional correspondence from us.
Pray with the Pope
Prayer unites people of faith everywhere. It is a tangible expression of our dependence on God, and our care for one another. These prayer cards combine images from campus with prayers that speak to joyful and difficult experiences in life. You are invited to share and personalize these cards by emailing, posting to social media, or printing them out for yourself or others. You can also choose from a gallery of images below to add a special touch to the prayer card.
Please enter your information below to have your Daily Inspiration from JesuitPrayer.org delivered to your in-box. As a subscriber, you will receive the daily email from Jesuit Prayer. If you would like to receive the email newsletter or printed magazine from one of the Jesuit provinces, you may indicate that as well. We will never share your data with others.
Prayer Experience
Daily prayer is essential for nourishing our relationship with Christ. We become ever more mindful of God's presence in all facets of our lives. Through the daily Scripture, Reflection, and Prayer, may you be fortified in God's faithfulness and his invitation to move through your day in a spirit of service to others. The prayer experience is provided every day of the week, with reflections rooted in Ignatian spirituality.
Submit a Prayer
Prayer is at the core of Jesuit life. We pray daily for the needs of our world and for you, our partners in mission. Please enter your prayer request and know that it will be shared with the priests and brothers of our senior Jesuit communities; they will receive your request and hold your intentions in prayer.
Subscription
To receive the daily Scripture, Reflection, and Prayer by Email please complete the form on the "Subscribe to Email" tab. The prayer content will be delivered to your Email daily.
App
To read the prayer content on your iPhone, iPad, and Android, download the free App available on the prayer home page.
Prayer Cards
Download these special Jesuit prayer cards and share with family and friends.
Videos
On various occasions spiritual, educational, and informational videos will appear on the prayer home page. These compelling videos provide an additional resource to the prayer experience. Visit our Youtube Channel
Resources
Available are a variety of resources for Ignatian spirituality, learning more about religious life, the Society of Jesus, prayer, and discernment.
Contact
Contact us at prayerteam@jesuitprayer.org