The Examen

The Examen is a method of reviewing your day (24 hours, week, month, or year) in the presence of God.  It’s actually an attitude more than a method, a time set aside for thankful reflection on where God is in your everyday life.  It has five steps, which most people take more or less in order, and it usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to practice. 

1. Become aware of God’s presence. Look back on the events of the day in the company of the Holy Spirit. The day may seem confusing to you—a blur, a jumble, a muddle. Ask God to bring clarity and understanding.

2. Give thanks.  Gratitude is the foundation of our relationship with God. Walk through your day in the presence of God and note its joys and delights. Focus on the day’s gifts. Look at the work you did, the people you interacted with. What did you receive from these people? What did you give them? Pay attention to small things—the food you ate, the sights you saw, and other seemingly small pleasures. God is in the details.

3. Review the day.  Talk with God about your day. Reflect on the feelings you experienced during the day. Boredom? Excitement? Resentment? Compassion? Anger? Confidence? What is God saying through these feelings?  Notice your positive feelings.  Anything negative?  Bring before the Lord.

4. Praying your dominate feelings .  Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to something during the day that God thinks is particularly important. It may involve a feeling—positive or negative. It may be a significant encounter with another person.  Or it may be something that seems rather insignificant. Look at it. Pray about it. Allow the prayer to come right from your heart—whether a request, praise, repentance, or gratitude.

5. Look forward to tomorrow in hope. What excites you about tomorrow? What do you want to hold onto from today that you make part of tomorrow?  What do you want to let go of?  Pay attention to the feelings that surface as you survey what’s coming up.  Are you doubtful? Cheerful? Apprehensive? Full of delighted anticipation? Allow these feelings to turn into prayer. Seek God’s guidance. Ask him for help and understanding. Pray for hope.

This was adapted from Fr Michael’s presentation of the Examen which you can find here.