Racial Justice Examen

A spiritual practice, inspired by Madison Mennonite’s Racial Justice Team


Based on St. Ignatius’s Daily Examen, the Racial Justice Examen invites prayerful reflection on the ways race has impacted events, relationships, and more in our daily lives. The Racial Justice Examen is a practice for persons and faith communities seeking to participate in and pay attention to the Spirit’s invitations for justice, transformation, and healing.

Practical notes: This may be practiced alone or with a group. If practicing in a group, invite participants to share after each reflection. Allow responses to simply be held; release the urge for discussion. For each of the prompts, choose one time frame to reflect on (month/week/day), not all.

Begin with a moment of centering. Breath, spoken prayer, silence, or song.

Reflect on the first prompt: Thinking back on the last month/week/day, open your mind and heart to a moment when you were keenly aware of race, racism, or white supremacy on a personal, communal, or work level. 

Allow your thoughts to settle on one experience with curiosity and gentleness.

Reflect on the second prompt: Thinking back on the last month/week/day, open your mind and heart to a moment when you felt a measure of healing, reconciliation, or justice–in yourself or in your community –concerning race.

Allow your thoughts to settle on one experience with curiosity and gentleness.

Close with a prayer of gratitude for the Spirit’s presence with you.

Image: Yarrow by Tatiana6 from Pixabay. Yarrow (Achillea) is a plant native to the US midwest and is known for its medicinal properties.

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