"1. In the morning, as soon as you wake up, make up your mind to watch most carefully lest you fall into that particular defect which you wish to correct.
"2. During the day, when you notice that you have erred, at once with some interior prayer . . . ask God for His forgiveness; with your hand on your heart, promise to be more attentive in the future.
"3. In the evening when you make your general examination, after having made a general survey of all your faults, give particular attention to this one.
"4. Compare the second day with the first, the third with the second . . . and so on. In this way, you will know whether or not you are progressing in virtue, and whether you are getting any good out of the particular examination.
"5; You may also make some virtue the subject of the particular examination. Those who make the particular and general examination in the evening when they go to bed, as well as during the day, redouble their speed and in a short time make further progress along the road of virtue.
— Pope John XXIII
(Some Suggested Questions)
"Do I pray to God every day? Do I pray for my family and friends?
"Have I thanked God for His gifts to me?
"Am I attentive at Mass? Do I receive Communion with care and attention?
"Have I worked unnecessarily on Sunday?
"Have I missed attending Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation?
"Have I spoken God's name in disrespectful ways?
"Have I respected and obeyed my elders, parents, employers, or teachers?
"Have I physically harmed other people through acts of violence or neglect?
"Have I committed any acts of violence?
"Have I respected God's laws and the Church's laws concerning marriage?
"Have I committed adultery?
"Outside of marriage, have I shown another person affection in ways appropriate only between a husband and wife?
"In marriage am I open to having any children God may send?
"Have I used artificial birth control to prevent God's creation of new life?
"Have I taken anything that I had no right to take?
"Have I pilfered office supplies or items belonging to my employer?
"Have I shared all that I should — of my belongings, my time, my friendship?
"Have I treated other people's property carelessly?
"Have I said things that I knew would hurt someone?
"Have I gossiped?
"Have I lied?
"Have I emphasized the negative qualities of other people or their work?
"Have I spoken badly of the Church?
"Have I boasted about myself or my work?
"Have I been dishonest — with my employer, my family, the tax officials, or anyone else?
"Have I placed false information on forms or in reports at work or at school? Is there anyone I have made to feel unwelcome in my presence?
"In my thoughts or glances, have I invaded anyone's privacy in a way that would make them hurt or uncomfortable if they knew?
"Have I used well the time and talents God has given me?
"Have I offered my co-workers, friends, and family a good example of Christian life? Do I speak to them about God, and offer to pray with them or for them?
"Are there people I have refused to forgive?
"Do I dress modestly?
"Have I envied other people for the things they own or the friends they have?
"Have I allowed the desire for a better home or car, clothing or vacation, appliances or other material goods to disturb my inner peace?
"Have I used another person for my own pleasure, convenience, or advancement?
"Do I tell people how much I appreciate them?"
