An Examination of Conscience Guided by The Lord's Prayer

Our Father

Am I convinced that I am a son or daughter of God the Father?
That God calls me by name, loves me and forgives me?
Do I set aside some time every day to be with God in prayer?
Do I ever take the Gospel (the Word of God) in hand to pray?
Do I believe that the Father calls and gathers His children together to participate in the Eucharist which is Jesus' gift (sacrifice) of Himself for our reconciliation?
Do I miss Mass because "I don't get anything out of it"?
Do I give in to discouragement or despair over my sins and weaknesses?
Do I accept others as God's children, my brothers and sisters?
Do I treat them with dignity and love?
Do I share my God-given gifts, talents and resources?

Who art in heaven

Am I engrossed in worldly concerns, seeking only material possessions, comforts?
Are spiritual values important to me?
Do I nourish my faith through prayer, Scripture reading, and sharing with others (fellowship)?

Hallowed be Thy name

Do I respect and revere the name of God?
Do I call upon the name of the Lord when I am tempted, when I am weak, when I am discouraged, when I am joyful?
Do I blame God when things go wrong?

Thy Kingdom come

Am I dedicated to bring about the Kingdom of God?
Am I afraid to be counted as a Christian, a follower of Christ?
Do I work for peace, justice and love in the world?

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Jesus said: "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me." Do I seek to know and do the will of God?
Mary said: "I am the servant of the Lord. Be it done to me as you say." Am I a true servant of the Lord, always ready to obey His will?
Do I complain inwardly or outwardly when things don't go my way?

Give us this day our daily bread

Do I live on bread alone, or do I live on every word that comes from the mouth of God?
Do I share my bread with the hungry?
Do I thank God for the gifts of creation and for the work of human hands?
Do I misuse creation or waste these gifts?

Forgive us our trespasses

St John writes: "If we say we are free of the guilt of sin, we deceive ourselves; the truth is not to be found in us." (1 John 1:8) Do I admit that I am a sinner in need of forgiveness, or do I excuse myself because 'everybody is doing it'?
Do I regularly approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation with faith and confess my sins?
Do I prepare myself so that my confession will bear fruit?
Do I realise that every sin, even the most private and hidden, brings harm to and weakens the body of Christ which is the Church, and contributes to the growth of evil in the world?

As we forgive those who sin against us

Do I forgive those who cause me harm?
Do I seek revenge against those who hurt me?
Do I harbour resentments against others?
Do I ask the Lord to put into my heart the desire to forgive those who have sinned against me?
Do I ask the Lord to grant me His power to forgive?
Do I ask the Lord to grant me the grace to forgive myself as He has forgiven me?

Lead us not into temptation

Jesus said: "Be on your guard, and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but nature is weak." (Mt 26:41) Do I pray for the strength and for the grace to remain faithful to my baptismal committment?
Do I avoid the occasions of sin: anything or anyone that would lead me to sin?
Do I discipline myself by penance, like the athlete training for a marathon?

Deliver us from evil

Am I involved in spiritism, satanism, witchcraft, or any occult practices?
Do I "resist the devil" so that "he will take flight" (James 4:7)?
Do I take seriously my baptismal committment wherein I reject Satan, the father of lies and prince of darkness?
Do I believe that "the power that has conquered the world is this faith of ours" (1 John 5:4)?
Do I believe that in the death of Jesus, "the prince of this world has been condemned" (John 16:11; see also John 12:32 & Luke 10: 17-20)?

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.