Sample Examination of Conscience

In response to Lori Ann's question, this is a sample list that I use to do a quick inventory.  It took me about 30 minutes to do this the first time.  Now I'm able to do a pretty quick tally in under 10... five if I'm in a pickle.  I still feel better if I write it all out, but that's just me.  This is a basic list to go from, and once you've got the subheading suggestions down, you can come up with your own.

Sample Examination Guide:

1st Commandment:  I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me.
        Do I prioritize material objects (money, clothes, food or television shows) over God?
        Do I put other people (family, friends, celebrities, etc) ahead of God in my life?
        Do I ignore God altogether?

2nd Commandment:  You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
        Do I say things like "I swear to God" when I'm not being fully honest?
        Do I use God's name as part of curses (ex: Goddamn it)
        Do I listen to music that takes God's name in vain?
        Do I consent to conversations that take God's name in vain?

3rd Commandment:  Keep holy the Sabbath.
        Do I attend Sunday Mass and all holy days of obligation?
        Do I rest in accordance with God's Divine example?
        Do I do anything to profane the day set aside for special honor and appreciation of                     God's blessings?

4th Commandment:  Honor thy father and mother.
        Do I obey my parents?
        Do I obey my superiors and those who have authority over me?
        Do I reflect the morals and teachings they've worked to instill in me?

5th Commandment:  You shall not kill.
        Have I been a party to murder (abortion counts on this one, folks)?
        Have I caused spiritual death through scandal or intimidation?
        Have I contributed to the emotional scarring of an individual through taunts,
                humiliation or bullying?

6th Commandment:  You shall not commit adultery.
        Have I sought marital satisfaction (emotionally, physically, psychologically) outside the
                bonds of my own marriage?
        Have I remained chaste in my thoughts and actions (pornography, lewd thoughts, etc).
        Have I put another person / thing above my spouse?
        Have I intentionally dressed in an overtly sexual manner, thus giving away the
                modesty meant only for my spouse?
        Have I shared emotions and desires with another person and not my husband, thus   
                taking from him / her the opportunity to connect and understand me on a deeper
                level?

7th Commandment:  You shall not steal.
        Have I taken anything that doesn't belong to me without first asking?
        Have I borrowed something with no intent to return it?

8th Commandment:  You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
        Do I participate in gossip?
        Do I spread lies about someone?
        Do I say nothing as others spread fallacious information about someone?
        Do I not strive for truth and honesty in my actions, thoughts and words?

9th Commandment:  You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
        Do I lust after anyone?
        Do I watch pornography or read lewd materials?
        Do I listen to suggestive music or take enjoyment in watching suggestive videos?
        Do I seek fulfillment outside of my own marital relationship instead of working to
                nurture and solidify it?

10th Commandment:  You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.
        Have I gotten jealous of someone because of the blessings they have in life?
        Instead of being grateful for my own blessings, have I grumbled and demanded more                 than my fair share on the basis of what I perceive others to have?
        Have I lost faith in Divine Providence?

7 Deadly Sins - the Creepy Cousins you can't get rid of.

Pride:  Have I placed myself above others in life?  Have I expected things of others that I don't expect of myself?  Have I made excuses for my failings?

Gluttony:  Akin to Commandment 1, have I over-indulged on food, clothing or entertainment?  Have I ignored my duties as a parent / wife / friend because I've prioritized gluttonous tendencies over my vocation?

Wrath:  Have I reacted with hatred or anger?  Have I wished ill on someone?  Have I allowed anger to boil up inside of me to flood out my love and patience?

Envy:  Akin to Commandment 10, have I been envious of others?  Have I become ungrateful for my own blessings while comparing them to the perceived blessings of others?

Sloth:  Have I been lazy?  Have I spent more time on Facebook than I have on the "big project" at work?  Have I watched three movies in a row while I push off laundry and dishes for the 5th straight night?  Have I said my prayers in bed instead of kneeling beside it because I was simply "too tired" to move?  Have I pushed off prayer altogether (be it Mass, daily offerings, etc) because I just "didn't feel like" praying that day?

Greed:  Also akin to Commandment 10, have I taken more than my fair share of resources?  Have I hungrily worked around the clock to amass food / money / materials for myself without thought to those who are also struggling to get by?  Have I been willing to share my resources with others through Divine Providence?

Lust:  Akin to Commandment 9, have I lusted after a person or thing?  Have I allowed myself to watch pornographic materials, listen to overtly sexual music, or partake in sexual activity that is outside the bonds of marriage?