God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart.
Examine me through and through;
find out everything that may be hidden within me.
Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares.
See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on,
and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting ways—
the path that brings me back to you.
Psalm 139:23-24 TPT
Want to grow your discernment and connection with the Lord? One powerful tool for increasing your connection with the Lord is an ancient church practice known as the Prayer of Examen. The Examen is a prayerful reflection on your day, focusing on detecting God’s presence and discerning His leading. This practice helps you notice God’s presence and handiwork throughout your day.
A Simple Format for the Prayer of Examen
Here is a straightforward guide to help you incorporate the Examen into your daily routine:
1. Become Aware of God’s Presence
First, start by reviewing your day in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to speak into areas that may seem confusing or troubling. Invite Him to illuminate your day with His presence.
2. Review the Day with Gratitude
Next, gratitude is foundational. Notice the joys and delights of the day while remaining aware of God’s presence. Reflect on what you did and your interactions with others. Consider what you received and what you gave. Pay attention to small details that brought you gladness or demonstrated God’s loving care for you.
3. Pay Attention to Your Emotions
Then, the movements of our emotions can provide insight into the activity of God. For example, feelings of peace can illuminate His presence, while resentment can highlight areas needing further transformation. Reflect on the feelings you experienced and ask God for insight. Frustration might be an invitation to seek God for direction regarding change. Concern for a friend could be an invitation to reach out. Anger could prompt a conversation with God about an injustice or indicate an opportunity to grow in Christ-like love and humility. Allow the Lord to speak and bring clarity.
4. Choose One Feature of the Day and Pray from It
Afterward, ask the Holy Spirit to highlight one aspect of your day. It could be positive or negative, a personal interaction or moment of joy, something big or small. Review it in the Lord’s presence and talk with Him about it. You may find yourself in intercession, praise, repentance, or gratitude. Allow the Spirit to lead.
5. Look Toward Tomorrow
Finally, ask God to give you light for tomorrow’s challenges. Notice your feelings and let them guide your prayers. Seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and hope for the day ahead.
The Purpose of the Examen
The Prayer of Examen is a conversation with Jesus. Although it centers on our own experiences, emotions, and responses to God, it is not a self-centered practice. Those we impact benefit as we strengthen our connection with the Lord, “clear our lenses,” and become further shaped into His image.
As you remain in His presence with a posture of gratitude, you will find your life is full of gifts from God. This practice helps us become more aware of these gifts and deepens our relationship with Him.
If you would daily guidance in practicing this exercise, you can download the free Pray As You Go app.