The prayer of examen is an examination of our lives, a way of honestly assessing our lives in the light of God’s mercy. This prayer focuses our reflection on a narrow time span, perhaps the previous day or week. It is not intended to be a tallying of failures and successes but an assessment of how we have lived in union with God. The prayer of examen may be practiced in solitude, but it is ultimately about community, about our relationship to self, God, and others.
Because of the nature of the reflection, the prayer of examen is best practiced in the quiet of evening. Five 175basic movements form the prayer: celebrate and give thanks; pray for God’s illumination; examine the events and encounters of the day; sift through the joys, sorrows, struggles, and delights asking God for needed grace; and rest in god’s grace while living in hope for the new day to come.
Try an examen now
Thank you God for… Ever present God, what did you see in my day today… How has my day gone? What has touched my heart with joy or sorrow, fear, or pain today? Loving God, this is what I need from you today… Consoling God, I know you are with me…thank you.