Over the past few years, I have been reintroduced to some of the spiritual practices that have shaped the church for centuries. Like a good evangelical, the only two practices I embraced regularly were reading my Bible and prayer. I was so afraid of slipping into works-based salvation that I didn't put much effort into my spiritual growth. The only problem with that is that we never drift towards discipleship. We either choose to become apprentices of Jesus, or we don't become his disciples at all.

One of the tools that I've found most helpful in my journey is the Prayer of Examen. By nature I am not a very introspective person. I'm not naturally aware of the rhythms of my soul and can go long periods of time without thinking about what I'm thinking about. My mind and heart can act like a runaway train. If you're like me, the Prayer of Examen would be a great practice to embrace. Try it for a week and see how it might help you commune and walk with God. 

Here is a graphic for you to download that summarizes the four movements. Below is more of a complete description of each of the movements. 

 

About the Prayer of Examen

The Prayer of Examen is a daily spiritual exercise typically credited to St. Ignatius of Loyola [1491-1556], who encouraged fellow followers to engage in the practice for developing a deeper level of spiritual sensitivity and for recognizing and receiving the assistance of the Holy Spirit. At the heart of the practice is increasingly becoming aware of God’s presence and the Holy Spirit’s movement throughout your day. 

Practicing the Prayer of Examen 

This Prayer of Examen is primarily an exercise in remembering. One is invited, through four portions [presence, gratitude, review, and response], to concentrate on experiences and encounters from the past 24 hours. The beauty of the practice is its simplicity; it is more a guide than a prescription. If some portion feels especially important on a given day, feel the freedom to spend all or most of your time in that portion. The purpose is to increase awareness and sensitivity, not to finish or accomplish a task. 

 

Awareness 

Begin this practice by recognizing the presence of God. Remind yourself of God’s presence with you and His desire to be with you. Consider praying for the Holy Spirit to help you be attentive to God’s presence. To become more focused, it might be helpful to repeat a simple phrase during this time, like “Be still and know that I am God” [Psalm 46:10]. 

It’s important to begin this practice in a calm and centered state. There may be days when you’ll need the entire time to remember and focus on the nearness of God. Don’t rush past this portion. Take the necessary time to wait and find comfort in God’s presence. 

“Gracious God, in these moments please remind me of your presence and generosity, and give me the wisdom and courage to live gracefully with myself, others, and the world you have wonderfully made. For the sake of Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Amen.”

Take some time and focus on the nearness of God. Open yourself to His presence. 

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” [Psalm 145:18]

 

Gratitude 

“If the only prayer you say in your entire life is ‘Thank You,’: wrote Meister Eckhart, “that would suffice.” As you think about the past 24 hours, what causes you to be thankful? Look back over the past day, the big and small aspects of life, and recognize what reasons you have to be grateful. Focus on these experiences and encounters, helping your mind and spirit center on the goodness and generosity of God. 

If you’re using a journal, consider capturing your thanks in writing, expressing words of gratitude and giving testimony to God’s generosity and faithfulness. 

Find encouragement and reminders of God’s goodness, and be thankful. 

Looking back over the past 24 hours, for what are you most grateful? 
What makes you feel thankful?

Using simple words, express your gratitude to God. 

“Praise be to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.” [Ephesians 1:3] 

 

Review 

Over-packed lives can rob us of the opportunity to learn from the past, to see how yesterday might inform today. “Where did the time go?!” we ask ourselves, often struggling to remember what we did just a week ago. Here we can benefit again from taking time to look back over the past 24 hours. By intentionally reviewing our interactions, responses, feelings and intentions, we can avoid letting days speed by. We can pause to learn more about ourselves and about God’s activity in our lives. 

Try to look back objectively as you review. Rather than interpreting, justifying, or rationalizing, the intent is to observe and remember. Allow your mind to wander the situations you’ve been in and to notice details. The questions in this exercise should help you bring specific experiences to mind. 

When or where in the past 24 hours were you cooperating most fully with God’s action in your life? When were you resisting?

What habits and life patterns do you notice from the past day?

“Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul...Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” [Psalm 143:8b, 10]

 

Response 

Having spent time remembering, it seems natural to want to respond in some way. Take time to journal or pray, expressing your thoughts on the actions, attitudes, feelings, and interactions you’ve remembered as a part of this exercise. You might need to seek forgiveness, ask for direction, share a concern, express gratitude, or resolve to make changes and move forward. Allow your observations to guide your responses. 

Beginning today, how do you want to live your life differently? What patterns do you want to keep living tomorrow? 

“Ever-present Father, help me to meet you in the Scriptures I read and the prayers I say; in the bread I break and the meals I share; in my investments at work and my enjoyments at play; and in the neighbors and family I welcome, love, and serve, for your sake and that your love and peace may reign now and forever. Amen.”

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” [Hebrews 13:20-21]

God’s peace be yours