Scripture
Matthew 7: 7-12
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.”
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
Asking is a Sign of Trust
Who am I to ask God for anything? Many of us hesitate to pray this way. We worry that asking is inappropriate or presumptuous, especially when we are aware of how much we have already received.
Yet Jesus tells us plainly to ask, to seek, to knock. God is not distant or annoyed by our needs. God desires to love, help, and accompany us. Just as we would ask a friend for help when moving or navigating a difficult circumstance, we are invited to ask God to enter the movements of our hearts and lives.
When we feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to proceed, prayer begins with honesty. Asking is not a sign of weakness, but of trust.
Today, what do you need to ask God for? Where might God be waiting for you to knock, so that the door can be opened?
—Br. Bobby Nichols, SJ, is a Jesuit of the Midwest Province serving as a Campus Minister at Loyola University Chicago.
Ignatian Prayer
Feb 26, 2026
Prayer
God of Love
You search me, and you know me.
You know the movements of my heart.
I ask for your help today,
To strengthen my resolve,
To comfort my pain,
To ease my mind.
I seek you today, oh God,
May I find you resting beside me.
Amen.
—Br. Bobby Nichols, 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.
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