PRO EXAMEN

EXAMEN IGNATIANIVM · PETITIO LVMINIS

Ignatian Examen - Petition for Light

The second step of the Ignatian Examen asks God for the grace to know one's sins as He sees them. Without divine illumination, self-deception is inevitable. The phrase 'Noverim me, noverim Te' (Let me know myself, let me know Thee) comes from St. Augustine's Soliloquies and expresses the twin goals of self-knowledge and knowledge of God.

LATINE
Peto a Deo gratiam cognoscendi peccata mea.
O Spiritus Sancte, fons omnis lucis,
veni et illumina mentem meam.
Adiuva me ut cognoscam peccata mea
et ea videam sicut Tu ea vides,
ut ea detester sincero dolore.
Domine, noverim me, noverim Te.
Concede mihi lucem ad videndum ubi Te hac die offendi,
ut videns culpas meas clare,
eas humiliter confitear et vitam meam emendem.
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium,
et tui amoris in eis ignem accende.
V. Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur.
R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.
ENGLISH
I ask God for the grace to know my sins.
O Holy Spirit, source of all light,
come and enlighten my mind.
Help me to know my sins
and to see them as Thou seest them,
that I may detest them with a sincere sorrow.
Lord, let me know myself, let me know Thee.
Grant me light to see where I have failed Thee this day,
that seeing my faults clearly,
I may confess them humbly and amend my life.
Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful
and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
NOTA
FONS
Exercitia Spiritualia S. Ignatii, Secundus Gradus; Veni Sancte Spiritus
USUS
Daily examen, preparation for confession
CONTEXT
The phrase 'Noverim me, noverim Te' (Let me know myself, let me know Thee) comes from St. Augustine and expresses the twin goals of self-knowledge and knowledge of God.