Examination of Conscience

Examination of conscience involves, in particular, reflecting on one’s day, choices, and actions in light of the Gospel, in order to grow in love for God and neighbor. Much more than a simple “moral inventory,” the examination of conscience is a path to inner freedom and conversion that nourishes the believer’s spiritual life and guides them toward holiness. In the Catholic tradition, it also prepares one for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but it can be practiced daily as a time of prayer.

In this article, discover the key information you need to know about the examination of conscience. At the end of this article, explore other articles on the sacrament of forgiveness and the sacraments.



What Is the Examination of Conscience?

The examination of conscience is a moment of prayer during which a Catholic reflects on their life before God. It is a genuine act of self-reflection covering a specific period (a day, a week, a month…), during which one evaluates one’s thoughts, words, actions, and omissions in the light of the Gospel.

It is not merely a matter of making a list of faults, but above all of placing one’s life under God’s gaze, in order to recognize:

  • The graces received,

  • The progress made,

  • The shortcomings that call for conversion.

The Catholic Church particularly recommends two key times for practicing the examination of conscience:

  • On a daily basis: in the evening, by reflecting on the day to give thanks, ask for forgiveness, and entrust oneself to God.

  • Before confession: in greater depth, using God’s commandments and the Church’s teaching, to prepare for the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Examination of Conscience in the Bible

The practice of the examination of conscience draws its inspiration from Sacred Scripture. Consider, for example, the following verses:

“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:27–28)

We can also recall the many verses on conscience or conversion.

Examination of Conscience: What Does the Catholic Church Say?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church discusses the examination of conscience, particularly in paragraph 1454 (see further down in the article).

In the spiritual tradition, St. Ignatius of Loyola placed great importance on the examination of conscience, teaching how to discern one’s inner movements in order to better respond to God’s will.

Pope Francis devoted a morning meditation on September 4, 2018, to the examination of conscience. He suggested, for example: “a beautiful prayer we can say every day, before going to bed, to reflect a little on the day and ask ourselves: But which spirit did I follow today? The spirit of God or the spirit of the world?''” And the Pope emphasized that “this is what is called an examination of conscience.”

Why examine one’s conscience?

Regularly practicing an examination of conscience brings many benefits to the Christian life:

  • Humility: Recognizing one’s weaknesses and limitations opens the heart to God’s grace.

  • Gradual conversion: reflecting on one’s life each day cultivates an inner vigilance that gradually transforms the heart and one’s habits.

  • Holiness: This daily practice is a concrete path to growing in holiness.

  • Peace: By dialoguing with God and asking for forgiveness, the soul finds peace.

  • Discernment: the examination of conscience helps us identify inner movements (consolations, desolations) and better follow the voice of the Holy Spirit.

How to Conduct a Good Examination of Conscience?

An examination of conscience can be carried out in five simple steps, inspired by the Ignatian tradition:

  • Place yourself in God’s presence: Begin by invoking the Holy Spirit. An examination of conscience is not a harsh judgment of oneself, but a loving dialogue with God who enlightens and consoles.
  • Give thanks: Reflect on your day and thank God for the gifts you have received: an encounter, a kind word, etc. Recognizing the good opens the heart to trust and hope.
  • Ask for guidance: Pray to the Holy Spirit, asking for His light to help you recognize the graces you have received, as well as your weaknesses and areas where you need to grow.
  • Reflect on your day: Review your thoughts, words, and actions. How did you love God and your neighbor? What shortcomings in faith, hope, or charity did you notice?
  • Ask for forgiveness and make a resolution: Offer your shortcomings to God, and make a concrete commitment to grow the next day.

Guidelines for an Examination of Conscience

The Church often suggests using certain guidelines:

The Ten Commandments

They shed light on the areas of our lives where love for God and neighbor can be wounded.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church devotes a very lengthy section to each of the Ten Commandments in paragraphs 2052 through 2557.

The Beatitudes

Gaudete et exsultate, Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation on the call to holiness in today’s world, described the Beatitudes as “a Christian’s identity card,” adding that “if anyone asks: 'What must one do to be a good Christian?', the answer is clear. We have to do, each in our own way, what Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount.” (no. 63).

The Deadly Sins

Pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth—these are all markers for identifying the tendencies that can lead us away from God. Read our article on the subject to learn more.

Duties of One’s State in Life

A Catholic can also examine their fidelity to their duties of state (in their work, family life, etc.) and to their current vocation (single life, marriage, consecrated life, priesthood, etc.)

Examination of Conscience and the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Examination of conscience is an essential step in properly preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It allows the faithful to present themselves before God with a sincere heart, acknowledging the graces received, but also their failings and their desire for conversion.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC, no. 1454) teaches:

“The reception of this sacrament ought to be prepared for by an examination of conscience made in the light of the Word of God. the passages best suited to this can be found in the moral catechesis of the Gospels and the apostolic Letters, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the apostolic teachings.” (no. 1454).

Practical Tips for Incorporating the Examination of Conscience into Your Life

Here are some tips for incorporating the examination of conscience into your life:

  • Always relate the examination to a dialogue with God: it is not merely psychological introspection, but an encounter with the Lord, enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
  • Be honest and merciful toward yourself: God does not demand immediate perfection, but gradual faithfulness.
  • Seek spiritual guidance: A trained spiritual director can help you grow in this practice.

Let us live out holiness with Christ

Let us practice the examination of conscience to strive for holiness with Christ.

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