Examination of Conscience: A Complete Guide

Why It Matters

Regular examination helps you become more aware of God's presence, recognize patterns of sin, and experience the freedom of forgiveness. It's a gentle tool for conversion, not a weapon of self-condemnation. Remember: God's mercy is always greater than your sins.

How to Prepare: A Simple Method

1. Find a quiet place. Sit comfortably, take a few deep breaths, and place yourself in God's presence.
2. Pray briefly. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten your mind and heart. For example: "Come, Holy Spirit, help me see myself as God sees me. Give me light to know my sins and courage to confess them."
3. Review your life. Using the Ten Commandments or the Great Commandments below, go through each area honestly but gently. Don't rush; allow memories and feelings to surface.
4. End with gratitude and resolve. Thank God for His patience and love, and make a firm purpose of amendment.

Review by the Ten Commandments

These questions are meant to be reflective, not exhaustive. Answer them in the quiet of your heart.

1. I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me.

• Have I put something before God—work, money, relationships, or entertainment?
• Do I trust in God's providence, or do I rely excessively on my own efforts?
• Have I been superstitious, involved in occult practices, or used the Lord's name lightly?
• Do I give God quality time in prayer, or do I treat Him as an afterthought?

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

• Have I used God's name carelessly, in anger, or as a curse?
• Have I broken promises made to God or the Church (e.g., marriage vows, religious promises)?
• Do I speak of holy things with reverence, or with disrespect or mockery?

3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.

• Do I attend Mass every Sunday and on holy days of obligation, unless excused?
• Do I avoid unnecessary work and shopping on Sundays, making it a day of rest and family?
• Do I prepare for Mass and participate attentively, or am I distracted or late?

4. Honor your father and your mother.

• Have I been disrespectful, disobedient, or ungrateful to my parents or guardians?
• Do I care for elderly parents or relatives with patience and love?
• As a parent, have I neglected to teach my children the faith or set a good example?
• Do I honor those in authority (teachers, employers, civil leaders) as long as it doesn't conflict with God's law?

5. You shall not kill.

• Have I harmed anyone physically or emotionally, through violence, abuse, or reckless words?
• Do I hold grudges, refuse to forgive, or wish harm on others?
• Have I engaged in gossip or slander that damages someone's reputation?
• Do I respect my own body and health, avoiding substance abuse or self-harm?

6. You shall not commit adultery.

• Have I been unfaithful to my spouse in thought, word, or deed?
• Do I use pornography or engage in lustful thoughts or actions?
• Have I engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage (including cohabitation or casual sex)?
• Do I treat others with purity and respect, avoiding inappropriate touch or language?

7. You shall not steal.

• Have I taken something that doesn't belong to me, even small items?
• Do I cheat on taxes, at work, or in school?
• Have I failed to return borrowed items or pay debts promptly?
• Do I waste time at work or take advantage of others' generosity?

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

• Have I lied, even about small matters, or exaggerated to make myself look good?
• Do I spread rumors or speak ill of others behind their backs?
• Have I broken a confidence or betrayed a trust?
• Do I speak truthfully in court or in official matters?

9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.

• Do I envy others' relationships or feel dissatisfied with my own spouse or state in life?
• Have I entertained impure thoughts about someone else's spouse?
• Do I guard my heart against lustful desires and fantasies?

10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.

• Am I envious of others' possessions, talents, or success?
• Do I complain about what I don't have rather than being grateful for what I do have?
• Do I strive for simplicity and generosity, or am I consumed by materialism?

Alternative Review: The Two Great Commandments

Jesus summarized the law in two commands: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. This simpler approach can be especially helpful for a nightly examen.

Love of God

• Did I make time for prayer today, or did I rush through it?
• Did I put God first in my decisions, or did I prioritize my own comfort?
• Did I trust God in difficulties, or did I rely solely on my own strength?
• Did I receive the Eucharist with reverence and gratitude?

Love of Neighbor

• Was I kind, patient, and forgiving with my family, coworkers, and strangers?
• Did I speak words that build up, or did I criticize, mock, or ignore someone in need?
• Did I reach out to those who are lonely, suffering, or marginalized?
• Did I take care of my own physical and mental health, as a gift from God?

From Examen to Confession

After your examination, you should feel a sense of sorrow for your sins—not despair, but a sincere regret that you have offended God and a desire to change. This is called contrition. If you have mortal sins, you must confess them in kind and number. For venial sins, confess those you are aware of; it's good to mention a few to grow in humility.

When you go to Confession, begin by making the Sign of the Cross and saying, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [time] since my last confession." Then confess your sins simply and honestly. The priest will give advice and assign a penance. After you say an Act of Contrition, he will absolve you.

Here is a traditional Act of Contrition you can pray:

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

Remember: Confession is a sacrament of healing, not a courtroom. God already knows your sins; He wants you to experience His mercy. Go with confidence, and let His love transform you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I examine my conscience? Many Catholics do a brief examen each night and a more thorough one before each confession (monthly or as needed).
2. What if I can't remember all my sins? Don't worry. God knows your heart. Do your best, and if you forget a mortal sin, it is forgiven in confession if you confess it later.
3. Is it okay to use a list or guide? Absolutely. Many saints used written examinations. It helps you be thorough without overthinking.
4. What if I feel no sorrow? Pray for the gift of contrition. Even a desire to be sorry is enough to start. God can soften your heart.
5. Can I examine my conscience without going to confession? Yes, it's a healthy spiritual practice. But if you are aware of mortal sin, you should go to confession as soon as possible.

Prayers you will need

• Act of Contrition: The Prayer of Sincere Repentance and God's Mercy