Scripture
Romans 9: 1-5
Brothers and sisters:
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
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
Embody the Virtues of Christ
Today, in his letter to the Romans, Paul speaks with deep anguish over the unbelief of Israel—his own people, his family according to the flesh. His grief is so profound that he says he would even bear a curse himself if only they might come to know the power of Christ and the Resurrection: “For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kindred according to the flesh.” (Romans 9:3)
I feel today as Paul did then. How about you?
As I look upon our nation, so divided by politics, racism, classism, and even acts of hatred justified in Christ’s name, my heart aches. I grieve for how misguided beliefs often breed harm, fear, and separation rather than love and unity.
Paul’s longing was not only for conversion but for communion—for a humanity restored in the God revealed through Jesus Christ: the humble servant of the poor, who chose solidarity over superiority and mercy over judgment. The true God of Israel, and of all peoples, calls us not to rigid observance of rules, but to a love so deep, so strong and tender, courageous and compassionate, that it breaks the chains binding every heart and restores the freedom to love as God loves.
In Jesus, God continues the mission of liberation and reconciliation, healing what divides us and freeing us from whatever binds us.
And so today, I cry out for compassion where there is anger, forgiveness where there is blame, and courage where there is fear. I pray to embody the virtues of Christ, his mercy, humility, and steadfast love, so that he may heal the wounds of division in our nation.
How about you?
—Fr. Phil Cooke, SJ, is a member of the Midwest Jesuits and is Pastor at St. Isaac Jogue’s Parish in Rapid City, SD.
Ignatian Prayer
Oct 31, 2025
Prayer
O God, you are my God, for you I long; For you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you, Like a dry, weary land without water.
For your love is better than life.
On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night.
—Psalm 63: 2, 4, 7
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
Pray with the monthly prayer intentions of 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