The word “examen” comes from the Latin and refers to the weight indicator on a balance scale and thus carries the idea of “an accurate assessment of the true situation.”[i] During these three days, we’re using the Examen to help us get assessment of the true situation between us and God. Through this brief practice, we gain greater insight into who we are with God and how we are with God during the day.
Another name for the Examen is the Prayer of Examen. Traditionally, the Prayer of Examen has two aspects.[ii] The first is an “examen of consciousness” through which we recognize the ways in which God has been present to us during the day and how we’ve responded to that presence. We examine how conscious we have been of God throughout the day and in what ways God may have been speaking to us or reaching out to us during the day. This is one way to heed the biblical call to rehearse the mighty deeds of God. We look back over our day and see just where God has been at work. The second is an “examen of conscience” through which we recognize the moral and spiritual areas of our character which need cleansing and purifying.
Both elements can be focused on during your daily Examen. You may, however, find it simpler and more convenient to focus on just one of these two elements each time you practice the Examen. For example, at one Examen you may choose to focus solely on how conscious you were of God during the day and on how God showed up during the day. At another Examen, you may wish to focus solely on specific character issues which cropped up during the day.
Take ten minutes again today to practice the Examen. Focus either on an examen of consciousness or an examen of conscience. Here, once again, is the pattern:
Consider the last half-day or last day as the focus of your Examen.
Recognize
Close your eyes. Breathe in and out, slowly. Repeat these words to yourself silently: “You are with me always. You will never leave me nor forsake me.” Recognize that God is present right here and right now.
Request
Quietly ask God to fill you with wisdom and the ability to discern. Repeat this prayer: “God, give me eyes to see what you see. Fill me with insight and wisdom as I review this day.”
Review
Think back through the highs and lows of the past few hours. If you are doing an examen of consciousness ask yourself: When did I recognize God’s presence? When did I not? In what ways did God show up in my life today? If you are doing an examen of conscience ask yourself: In what ways did I demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit today? In what ways did I fail? Review the past few hours these questions in mind.
Resolve
Now answer this question: What is God saying to me through this review? What do I resolve to do as a result of this review? Is there a relationship to nurture or repair? Is there a work of your flesh to repent of? Is there an issue to lift to God in prayer? Is there a task or project that needs to become a priority? What does God wish you to resolve to do based on your review of the day?
[image]
[i] Richard Foster, Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home (HarperSanFrancisco, 1992), 27.
[ii] Foster, Prayer, 27-28.
