Do you wish you had a more vibrant prayer life? Would you like to become more aware of and respond to God’s presence in the day to day? The Examen has nurtured people across the globe for more than 500 years. Powerful in it's simplicity, the prayer practice will help you to notice God in daily life. The retreat provides instruction, experiential practice, and time for quiet reflection. By the end of this retreat, you will be equipped to integrate the Examen prayer into your life. 

What to Expect

  • 2 hours of guidance

    Quality videos feature experienced spiritual directors, Karen Keen and Mark Shaw.

  • 3 retreat formats

    Template schedules can be used for a day retreat, overnighter, or three mornings.

  • Handouts & Resources

    Printable handouts for individual or group use. Resources to guide you after the retreat.

Retreat Materials

  1. Introduction to Your Retreat

  2. An Ignatian Approach to Spirituality and Prayer

  3. Unpacking the Examen

  4. The Adapatable and Practical Examen

  5. Next Steps

The Results Are In

Mark Shaw and Karen R. Keen designed this retreat to serve pastors who participated in a research study with Duke Clergy Health Initiative. The university program sought to assess the impact of the Daily Examen on clergy health. For a year, Mark and Karen led several retreats for ministry leaders. The Selah Stress Management Trial found that those who practiced the Daily Examen "showed statistically significant declines in stress symptoms." The Examen not only helps you to connect with God, it's beneficial for overall well-being. And now this retreat is available for you to enjoy.

Meet Mark Shaw

Spiritual Director

Mark Shaw is a spiritual director who lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and attends St. Thomas More Catholic Church. He specializes in spiritual direction for people in leadership roles. Mark works with ministers, pastors and deacons from various Christian traditions. In addition to Juris Doctorate and M.B.A. degrees, he holds an M.A. in Christian Spirituality and a Graduate Certificate in the Ignatian Tradition, both from Creighton University.
Portrait of Mark Shaw

Meet Karen R. Keen

Spiritual Director

Karen Keen is a spiritual director and educator with The Redwood Center for Spiritual Care and Education. She has loved and practiced the Examen prayer for more than a decade. Karen received her certificate in spiritual direction from the Faithful Companions of Jesus (Catholic sisters in the Ignatian tradition). She holds a M.S. degree in exegetical theology from Western Seminary, a Th.M. in biblical studies from Duke Divinity School, as well as a M.S. in Education (counseling) from Western Oregon University.

Individual / Household rate:

For groups over 10, contact The Redwood Center for discount rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does a video retreat work?

    You receive everything you need for a retreat but without having to put it together yourself. If you are taking it solo, you will have access to three different formats to take the retreat, video guidance, and handouts. Groups receive the same resources, but facilitators get extra handouts to help guide, and formats are adapted to the group setting. This is a great option for ministry or small group leaders who want to lead a retreat without reinventing the wheel.

  • Are these retreats ever offered "live"?

    Yes. Your church or organization can arrange for Mark and Karen to lead your group "live" on Zoom or in-person. While these rates are higher than the video guide option, it can be a great opportunity for personal connection. For more information on live retreats, contact The Redwood Center at link at the bottom of this page. We would be glad to work with you on options.

  • How many people does one license serve?

    The price of $49 is for each individual. A family member living in the same household may also use the same license. Accurately determine whether you need an individual/household license or a group license. The survival of The Redwood Center's ministry relies on participants abiding by the honor system.

  • How do I get the group discount?

    Discounts are available for groups 10 and larger. To find out what your group discount would be, contact The Redwood Center (see link at bottom of this page).

  • How long is the license valid?

    You have access to the retreat materials for an entire year.

Testimonials

“"This practice of Ignatian Examen helped me so much . . . I am using the Examen each morning and during the day to help me walk closer with God."”

- from a participant evaluation of the retreat.

“"Thank you both for a refreshing and educational day!  It was just what I needed and a good reminder of why it is so important to pray the Examen."”

- from a participant evaluation of the retreat

“The instruction and guided practice made the examen accessible, and I came away convinced of the practicality and helpfulness of incorporating it into my spiritual life.”

- from a participant evaluation of the retreat

Nurture your spiritual life today.

Start the retreat

Register