The Prayer of Examen — Praying Backwards

One way we can become more aware of Jesus’s light in our life is through the Prayer of Examen. This is an ancient spiritual practice that involves discerning the movements of God in our daily life. The Examen is often done in the evening for ten to fifteen minutes, and can become an excellent way to connect with God at the end of the day.

Take time to pray backward through the events of the past 24 hours, using the following guide.

Be Still and Ask for Discernment

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Take a few minutes to relax, let go, and focus your attention on the presence of God. Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern God’s movement in and around you today.

Remember and Give Thanks

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” (Psalm 103:2)

Take time to replay your day, like watching a movie. Spend some time remembering with gratitude a few of the specific gifts of this day: gifts of existence, work, relationships, and place; gifts of challenge, growth and conflict; a meeting with a friend, a moment of insight, a glimpse of natural beauty. Savor the memory and offer thanks for every gift encountered.

Reflect and Listen

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know my heart…” (Psalm 139:1)

Reflect on what has been happening to you and in you today, trusting that the Spirit will reveal what needs to come to light. What particular moments stand out as you replay this time? What feelings — positive and negative — did these experiences evoke in you? Listen to these feelings without judgment or interpretation. You may want to focus on one or two specific moments to hold in prayer.

Respond to God

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love…” (Psalm 51:1)

Having reviewed your past day, look upon yourself with compassion and see your need for God. Try to realize and receive God’s love for you. Express sorrow for sin and ask forgiveness for the times you resisted God today. Give thanks for grace and the presence of God.

Look Forward with Hope

“When I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.” (Psalm 17:15)

Look forward in hope to tomorrow. Pray for the sensitivity to recognize God in whatever way God may choose to come to you tomorrow.