How To Do The Spiritual Practice of The Examen
Laura Longville
Are you ready to discover something good about your day? It can be tough to find hope when life is filled with uncertainty, such as the COVID pandemic. Maybe you’ve lost your job, have a family member who is ill or have suddenly been transformed into your children’s teacher. So much change. So much loss and uneasiness.
Yet, there is a spiritual discipline that can help you notice and recognize how your life is permeated with the presence of God.
A spiritual discipline (practice) called The Examen helps you discern the voice and activity of God within the flow of our day. It’s a vehicle that creates a deeper awareness of God-given desires in your life.
“The Examen makes us aware of moments that at first, we might easily pass by as insignificant, moments that ultimately can give direction for our lives.” Dennis Linn
Taking the time to intentionally reflect on your day can provide so many benefits. Paul in his letter to the Philippians prayed this in 1:9-10 The VOICE
Father, may their love grow more and more in wisdom and insight—so they will be able to examine and determine the best from everything else.
As you consider God’s impact and influence in your daily life, your confidence and trust in Him will flourish. Your spiritual insights increase your ability to do the next right thing.
In addition to wisdom and spiritual understandings, the following are some benefits of doing the Examen.
· The Examen allows you to find God. The Examen lets him find you.
· Keep company with Jesus throughout highs and lows of the day.
· Develop more discernment and receptivity to God’s voice
· Fosters gratitude
· Aware of your growing edge and God-given desires
· Aware of God’s invitations to a deeper relationship with him and others.
Those are attractive benefits!
How to do the 5 Sentence Examen
The Examen is a reflection on how God has been present within the events, circumstances, and feelings of your daily life.
The Examen allows for growth in your relationship with God, self, and others and facilitates healthy, honest, and authentic conversations with God.
This Examen has the same elements of what we want to say to a person whom we truly love ... thank you ... help me ... I love you ... I'm sorry ... be with me.
Thank you. Everything is a gift. I give you thanks and praise for the gifts of this day. [List the things for which you are grateful.]
Help me. Please give me an increased awareness of how you are guiding me and shaping my life and more sensitive awareness of any obstacles I put in your way.
I love you. Be near me now as I reflect on the events, feelings, and circumstances I have experienced today. [Recall where you felt close to God and where you felt distant or disconnected.]
I'm sorry. I admit my sin, my shortcomings and accept your loving forgiveness and healing. The event of this day that I most want to be healed is ...
Be with me. Filled with a firm belief in your love and power, I entrust myself to your care and ask for ... [the gift you most desire, most need; trust that God desires to give you that gift].
After you’ve practiced this format The Examen you can try the shortened version of the same spiritual discipline. You may find one version more valuable over another.
Shortened Examen Questions
What has been most life-giving today? What has drained me today?
For what moment today am I most grateful? •For what moment today am I least grateful?
When did I give and receive the most love today? •When did I give and receive the least love today?
What do I fear will take life from me in the future? •What gives (or in the future, could give) me life as I face this?
What helped me most today? •What helped me least today?
In the next week, the encouragement is to practice the longer version of The Examen 1-2 times this week and then shorter version 2-3 times this week.
Adapted from Love, A Guide for Prayer (Take and Receive), by Jacqueline Bergan and Marie Schwan.