Includes bibliographical references (p. 177-190).

Introduction -- Spiritual questions -- A practical book -- Experiencing the examen -- An outline of the examen -- Desire -- Discovering the examen -- A journey of thirty years -- The deepest desire of the human heart -- Learning about the examen -- A day with ignatius -- A gradual growth -- The day begins -- The mass -- A time of spiritual desolation -- The problem-- -- The answer-- -- Assaults-- and a firm response -- "Is it really possible to live this way?" -- Practice -- First step : gratitude -- "The highest grace and everlasting love of Christ our Lord" -- An experience of gratitude : a day with Jean -- Confirmed in God's love : a day with Tom -- The practice of step one : gratitude -- Second step : petition -- "It is all about something that God does" -- Asking for light and strength : a day with Ellen -- Praying for assistance : a day with Bob -- Seeking the wisdom of the spirit : a day with Rita -- The practice of step two : petition -- Third step : review -- What Ignatius reviews -- What we review -- A walk with the Lord : a day with Don -- An experience of discernment : a day with Susan -- The practice of step three : review -- Fourth step : forgiveness -- Forgiveness and relationship -- Our image of God -- "Love bade me welcome" -- The practice of step four : forgiveness -- Fifth step : renewal -- Looking to the future -- Spiritual growth : a day with Joan -- Choosing commitments : a day with Kevin -- In the midst of turmoil : a day with Elaine -- The practice of step five : renewal -- Flexibility -- The examen and the individual -- In the freedom of the spirit -- Creative fidelity -- Conditions -- The general setting of the examen -- The importance of the setting -- Spiritual accompaniment -- Examen and our life of prayer -- Developing the contemplative capacity -- The specific setting of the examen -- Beginning and concluding the examen -- "Where can I pray the examen?" -- "Do I have time for the examen?" -- Journaling and the examen -- Periodic renewal in the examen -- Courage -- Examen and the courage to love -- "I am sent to count your footprints" -- Beginnings -- The wounds of the heart -- Examen and surrendering to love -- Spiritual consolation and spiritual desolation -- Letting go -- "Love needs no cause outside itself" -- Fruit -- Examen and the community -- The fruit of Ignatius's examen -- The fruit of our examen -- Discerning awareness throughout the day -- Examen and life together -- The examen and choices -- "I come to do your will" -- Progressive clarification -- Finding God in all things.