Whiting Christian Church
Back to Spiritual Disciplines

Guided Practice

Examen

8-12 minutes

Slow down and notice where God has been present throughout your day.

Examen

Settle

8-12 minutes
Why this matters

Life moves quickly. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, often without us taking time to reflect on where God has been at work. We may recognize God's presence during church services, Bible reading, or prayer, but overlook the countless ways He is guiding, teaching, convicting, and encouraging us throughout our everyday lives.

The Examen is a prayerful practice of reflection that helps us become more aware of God's presence and activity. Rather than focusing on what we need to do for God, the Examen invites us to look back over our day and ask where God was at work and how we responded.

Originally developed by Christian believers seeking to grow in their awareness of God, the Examen helps us cultivate a heart that notices God's grace, recognizes areas of spiritual growth, and responds to His ongoing work in our lives.

The goal of the Examen is not self-criticism or dwelling on mistakes. Instead, it is learning to see our lives through God's eyes, celebrating His faithfulness, acknowledging our shortcomings, and growing in our relationship with Him day by day.

How the Examen Helps

It increases awareness of God's presence.

The Examen trains us to recognize that God is at work throughout every part of our day.

It encourages gratitude.

Reflecting on blessings, joy, and grace develops deeper appreciation for His faithfulness.

It promotes spiritual growth.

Honest reflection helps us identify areas where God is shaping us to become more like Christ.

It creates space for repentance and renewal.

The Examen helps us confess sin, receive God's forgiveness, and move forward with hope.

What You Can Expect

Give Thanks

Reflect on moments of blessing, joy, and gratitude.

Review Your Day

Consider the events, conversations, and experiences of the day.

Notice God's Presence

Where did you sense God working, guiding, encouraging, or teaching you?

Reflect on Your Responses

When did you draw closer to God? When did you resist Him, ignore Him, or fall short?

Look Forward

Ask God for wisdom, strength, and guidance for tomorrow.

Whether your day felt successful or difficult, the Examen helps you recognize that God is present in every moment and continues to work in your life through both joys and challenges.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts."
Psalm 139:23

Spiritual growth often begins by paying attention. The Examen helps us slow down, reflect honestly, and discover God's presence in the ordinary moments of everyday life.

Step 1 of 714%

Pause and remember: God has been present with you today.

30

Take three slow breaths.