St Ignatius of Loyola: The Five-Minute Practice That Can Bring You Closer to God

Nov 4, 2026: The road to sainthood is not reserved for a select few; it begins with the choices we make every day. This month, as we explore the lives and spiritual wisdom of the saints in our Road to Sainthood series, we turn to St Ignatius of Loyola and a simple question that can transform the way we live: How often do we pause to examine our lives?

We live in a world that constantly encourages us to look ahead. We plan our next achievement, worry about tomorrow, scroll through endless updates and measure our lives against the apparent success of others. Yet, amid all this activity, how often do we pause to ask ourselves: Where is God in my life? Am I becoming the person He calls me to be?

For St Ignatius of Loyola, one of the most meaningful ways to grow closer to God begins with a simple practice: examining our lives. The good news is that this practice does not require hours of prayer; a simple five-minute daily Examen, which you will find at the end of this article, can help you begin.

The practice is remarkably relevant in 2026. We spend hours reviewing messages, checking schedules and keeping track of our progress, but rarely take a few minutes to examine what is happening within us. The Examen invites us to pause, look back and recognise how God is working in our lives.

It begins with gratitude. Before dwelling on our mistakes, we recognise the blessings we often overlook: a kind word, a difficult task completed, a moment of laughter or the support of a friend. We then look honestly at our thoughts, words and actions. When did we show patience? When did we choose kindness? When did anger, pride or indifference get the better of us? These questions are not meant to fill us with guilt, but to help us recognise where we need forgiveness and where we need to change.

The practice also invites us to look ahead. We ask God for the grace to do better tomorrow – to be more patient with our families, more compassionate towards those who struggle and more attentive to those who feel forgotten.

Consider bookmarking this article and returning to these five steps each evening. Over time, this small daily habit can become a meaningful part of your journey towards God.

Take five quiet minutes at the end of each day. Put aside your phone and other distractions. Allow these five simple steps to become a daily conversation with God.

1. Pause and become aware of God (1 minute)

Take a deep breath and remind yourself: God has been with me throughout this day.

2. Give thanks (1 minute)

What is one thing I am grateful for today? Where did I experience love, kindness or unexpected grace?

3. Look back honestly (1 minute)

When did my words and actions reflect Christ? When did I fall short? Did I hurt, ignore or judge someone?

4. Listen to what God is showing you (1 minute)

What did today's experiences teach me? Is there something I need to forgive, change or let go of?

5. Look towards tomorrow (1 minute)

What is one thing I can do differently tomorrow? Ask God for the grace to follow through.

The Examen does not demand extraordinary spiritual achievements. Even five minutes of honest reflection can help us become more aware of God's presence and more intentional about the choices we make.

The road to sainthood is not built on a lifetime without mistakes. It is built on the willingness to recognise them, seek forgiveness and begin again. St Ignatius reminds us that holiness is not separate from everyday life; it grows through the small decisions we make and the love we choose to offer.

So, before asking how much we accomplished today, perhaps we should ask: Did I become a little more like Christ?

By Catholic Connect Reporter