Scripture
Ephesians 1: 15-23
Brothers and sisters:
I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come. And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
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
Pray as Paul Prayed
What do you most often pray for? Financial concerns? A struggling marriage? Your kids? Illness? Job? School? It’s good to pray about these things. Today we get to learn about prayer from St. Paul’s own prayer life.
I bet that finding time to pray was difficult for St. Paul. He was hard-working, beaten, often unsure of from where his next meal would come.
For St. Paul, praising God easily turns into praying to God. Paul is moved to pray because he is passionate about God’s work in the lives of others. Notice what Paul does not ask for in prayer. He doesn't ask God to change their circumstances. Instead, he asks God to open the eyes of their hearts. Paul doesn't pray that the Ephesians receive something they lack; he prays that they will see what God has already given them.
An idea for the day - choose one person you normally pray for. Thank God for them. Ask God to open the eyes of their heart—that they may recognize God's presence, God's hope, and God's power already at work in their life. For just one day may we pray as St. Paul prayed.
—Jim Bozik is a permanent deacon and Associate for Pastoral Ministry at St. Peter Catholic Church, the Jesuit church in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC.
Ignatian Prayer
Oct 17, 2026
Prayer
Be kind to your servant that I may live,
that I may keep your word.
Open my eyes to see clearly
the wonders of your law.
—Psalm 119:17-18
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