Praying Backwards

(St. Ignatius’ “Examine:” A Different Approach)
During the past year I’ve shared with my parishioners different prayer-practices that they might consider using.  Recently a friend shared with me a helpful article that dealt with yet another prayer-form based on St. Ignatius’ “Examine.”  Fr. David Hamm, SJ, published an article in America (May 14, 1994) , the weekly Jesuit Publication, approaching this prayer-form in a different way.  He suggests that rather than looking at one’s failures at the end of the day, to be in touch with one’s blessings. This prayer-form might be called “Praying Backwards.” Fr. Hamm suggests in his article five steps to this prayer form.  He then outlines nine consequences flowing from this form of prayer. Several parishioners, who read his article, told me that it was quite helpful to them in their prayer life.
The following is the link to Fr. Hamm’s article:
http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/rummaging-for-god-praying-backward-through-your-day/