Three Examen Practices
Short, middle, and long form. Great for daily, annual, or other rhythms of engagement. "Classic," "Looking back, leaning forward," "Three moments of the day."
1. The Classic Examen (Five Steps)
This traditional prayer, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, guides you through gratitude, reflection, and renewal. It’s ideal for both daily reflection and larger life assessments like year-end reflections.
How It Works:
1. Presence: Begin by quieting your mind and inviting God into the moment. Pray something simple like, “Lord, help me see this day (or year) through Your eyes.”
2. Gratitude: Reflect on the blessings of the day or year. Where did you experience God’s goodness, provision, or beauty? Be specific, naming people, moments, or experiences, and thank God for each one.
3. Reflection: Review your day (or year) with an open heart. Ask:
• When did I feel close to God?
• When did I feel distant or distracted from Him?
• How did I respond to the joys and challenges I faced?
4. Contrition: Humbly acknowledge areas where you fell short or turned away from God’s leading. Offer these to Him in repentance, asking for grace and forgiveness.
5. Renewal: Look ahead to tomorrow (or the new year) and ask God:
• “Where are You calling me to grow or go next?”
• “How can I better align my life with Your purposes?”
Pray for wisdom and strength to follow Him faithfully.
Closing Prayer: “Lord, thank You for being present with me today. Help me see Your hand at work and follow You with trust into what comes next.”
2. The “Looking Back, Leaning Forward” Examen
This simplified version focuses on two essential movements: gratitude for what God has done and openness to what He is inviting you into. It’s perfect for those seeking a clear, reflective structure without too many steps.
How It Works:
1. Looking Back with Gratitude:
• Take a moment to reflect on the past day, week, or year. Ask:
“Where have I experienced God’s presence, grace, or guidance?”
• Recall specific moments where you felt joy, peace, clarity, or conviction. Perhaps God provided for a need, deepened a relationship, or strengthened you in a trial.
• Write these down or speak them aloud in gratitude.
• Example Prayer: “Lord, thank You for walking with me through this past season. I see Your faithfulness in (name specific moments).”
2. Leaning Forward in Trust:
• Turn your attention to the days or year ahead. Pray:
“Lord, what are You inviting me into? How are You leading me to grow, trust, or change?”
• Listen for His prompting: Is there a word, theme, or direction He’s pressing into your heart? Is there a habit, relationship, or ministry He’s calling you to embrace or release?
• Offer yourself to God in trust.
• Example Prayer: “Lord, I surrender this year to You. Show me where You’re leading, and help me to follow faithfully.”
This version helps you pause long enough to notice God’s work behind you and to lean forward into His leading with intentionality and trust.
3. The “Three Moments of the Day” Examen
This version, adapted for simplicity, invites you to reflect on specific high and low moments, then prayerfully discern a new step. It’s particularly helpful for seeing patterns of God’s presence and your responses to Him over time.
How It Works:
1. The High Point: When did I feel closest to God today (or this year)?
• Reflect on the moments of joy, peace, or clarity where you sensed God’s nearness—perhaps in prayer, relationships, work, or a moment of beauty in creation.
• Thank God for His presence in these moments.
• Example Prayer: “Lord, thank You for being near in (specific moment). I saw Your goodness and grace.”
2. The Low Point: When did I feel farthest from God or distracted from Him?
• Be honest about moments of struggle, distraction, or failure. Were there times you felt distant, overwhelmed, or resistant to God’s leading?
• Offer these experiences to God, asking for forgiveness, healing, or clarity.
• Example Prayer: “Lord, I struggled in (specific moment). I offer it to You and ask for Your grace and strength.”
3. A New Step: What is God asking of me as I move forward?
• Reflect on what you’ve learned through these high and low moments. Ask: “Lord, how are You calling me to grow or change?”
• Listen for a word, prompting, or small step of obedience you can take to align yourself more fully with His will.
• Example Prayer: “Lord, as I look ahead, I trust You to lead me. Help me take the next step You’re calling me to.”