THE DAILY EXAMEN
Photo by Nathan Maduta on Unsplash
Why Engage It?
The Daily Examen is an ancient technique of prayerful reflection of one’s day in order to detect God’s presence and to discern his direction. This way of prayer invites one to look at the good and bad in their life in order to learn to recognize God in all of it.
There are many benefits to reflecting on God’s presence in your life every day. You may notice God’s presence quicker or you may become more thankful for your everyday life. You might start to notice patterns or find direction for where God is guiding you. You may notice that you feel closer to God and others. Can you think of any other benefits of reflecting on how God has worked through your life every day?
How to Practice It
One easy way to practice the Daily Examen is by recording your answers to these simple questions every night before you go to bed:
What was the best part of my day?
What was the worst part of my day?
Where did I notice God at work in my life today?
If you cannot seem to stay awake in the evening, feel free to practice the Daily Examen in the mornings by reflecting on the previous day.
There are many other ways to practice the Daily Examen. These simple questions are a great place to start out. However you choose to practice the Examen, remember that consistency is key.