Skip to content

S.T.A.R.T Prayer Process

S.T.A.R.T is a prayer process I developed that based on St. Ignatius of Loyola’s famous Examen Prayer. (This prayer is found in St Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises as a prayer to review and discern how God is moving in our day).

It follows 5 simple steps, starting with ‘Step In’ where you step into the presence of God where he can be tangibly felt. This step alone ensures a meaningful prayer time in the end.

Although it is a very old form of prayer (more than 400 years old), it was revolutionary in its time. Compared to other forms of prayer, it is more experiential, more personal and proven to be a blessing. (especially against today’s contemporary and more methodical prayer)

Although this way of praying has infiltrated to modern Christianity, it has only been in parts and usually in forms that are not faithful to its origin. Hence, it is still today a little-known prayer. (especially to people outside the Catholic faith)

I want to reintroduce this prayer using 5 simple steps I created to make it more accessible to modern seekers like you. I believe it will help you know God, be near and hear Him better. As the foundation of this prayer is intimacy, this will be a refreshing way.

To have God close to you during your prayers is invaluable. If I may say, it’ll give you a spiritual advantage (if there’s such a thing). Of course, spirituality is not a competition but a preparation. A preparation for your call to love on earth.

I wish you great intimacy with God as you explore the 5 steps in the S.T.A.R.T prayer process. It has changed my life and I hope it will change yours.

Enjoy ….

Step In

I step into the presence of God. I know He is watching over me and looking down at me with love. His face shines on me and gives me the kind of indescribable peace.

Thank Him

I begin to thank Him for one or two things he has given to me. If I have forgotten any of them, I recall them and thank Him sincerely for them. I fall deeper into His presence as I’m thankful and filled with gratitude.

Ask Him

I ask Him for the things I’m feeling right now. Whatever that I truly desire, I ask of him in deep honesty and sincerity. I ask Him like a child asking His all able Father.

Review

I go through the day, minute by minute, hour by hour, moment by moment asking God to reveal where and when did I feel spiritual consolation and when spiritual desolation during the day. I ask myself why was God near and why was He far away during these times. What is the spirit of God saying to me in these times?

Turn Back

I pray for the moment that God wants me to dwell longer in. I see how I can turn back from my way to His way if there is. Turning back is not difficult if I know turning back is falling back into the arms of a Merciful God. I surrender and repent recognizing the ways I have gone.

Start Again

With the spirit of God, I resolved to start again with joy and commitment to live a joyful and pure life. I thank God and end formally with the Lord’s Prayer.

The S.T.A.R.T Process is really that simple and it is not a prayer to be read, it is a prayer to be prayed. So you owe it to yourself to pray it and let me know what you think? I’ll be glad to hear about your progress in this wonderful heritage that St. Ignatius has left behind to us to enjoy.

Start Your Journey Here:  
Exercise of Being Near Jesus As A Beloved Child of God

10 Replies to “S.T.A.R.T Prayer Process”

  1. This is fantastic! Its a great start. I only ran across one other site that was kinda like this, but i think yours is better. It really speaks out and no pressure. Keep up the good work!!

  2. Amen. I think if everyone recognizes and give reverence to him, they will feel his presence more than not. He is with us all but you please him by showing your love and establishing a close relationship with him. You are doing well to share this with all. Thank God for you. Keep spreading his mercies. Thank you.

  3. This is a great post in this world of mechanical life – Definitely many people have forgotten to thank the God and this post will definitely remind each and every one on how thankful are we to god who created us. Excellent site for thanking the creator and I really enjoyed it. Thanks and keep writing.

  4. Truly Amazing is all I can say!
    I’m actually surprised as to how close this was to my own routine I developed to in a way stay in touch with God and constantly feel his presence. <3
    This is the testament that I will keep practicing this. 🙂

    Thank you for writing this article! I truly, truly appreciate it and in that you as well!
    Cheers and have a Great One!
    Matiss

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *