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The Daily Examen: A 10-Minute Evening Reflection
Updated: 3 days ago
Life moves fast, doesn't it? Emails fly, errands beckon, and our days slip by in a blur. Sometimes, amid the whirlwind, we forget to pause, to truly connect with ourselves and with God. That's where the Daily Examen comes in: a simple evening prayer for looking back on your day and noticing where God was present in it.
What is the Daily Examen?
Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Examen is a simple yet powerful tool for reflection. It's like taking a mini-retreat at the end of your day, carving out quiet moments to notice God's presence in the ordinary and the extraordinary. No incense burners or special mantras required, just you, your thoughts, and a little openness.
The Examen was developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, the 16th-century founder of the Jesuits, who included it in his Spiritual Exercises. (If his name sounds familiar, he's also the source of Ignatian contemplation, the imaginative prayer we explore at Contemplation Lab.)
Think of the Examen as a mini-retreat at the end of your day: a few quiet minutes to notice God's presence in both the ordinary and the extraordinary. You don't need any experience or special equipment, just you, your thoughts, and a little openness.
How to pray the Examen in 5 steps
Settle in. Find a quiet corner, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Invite God's presence in, like welcoming a dear friend.
Review your day with gratitude. Think back on your day, like watching a movie reel. But instead of popcorn, bring gratitude! Notice the good moments, the smiles, the unexpected joys, and give thanks for them.
Pay attention to your emotions. Were there moments of frustration, anger, or sadness? Instead of judging yourself, simply notice. Ask God, "What might you be showing me here?"
Choose a touchstone moment. Pick one moment, good or hard, that stands out. Pastor Stephen suggests asking, "When did I feel most alive today?" Reflect on that moment and ask, "What can I learn from this?"
Look ahead to tomorrow. Imagine the day to come. Ask God for strength, guidance, and love, and choose one small thing you can do differently in light of what you noticed.
Tips for getting started
Keep it short. Ten minutes before bed is plenty. Even five minutes counts.
Try a journal. Jotting down a word or two for each step helps you notice patterns over time.
Be gentle with yourself. There's no right or wrong way to do it. Some nights you'll feel full of insight; other nights you'll mostly feel tired. Both are fine.
Give it a week. The Examen tends to reveal more over several days than in a single try.
Frequently asked questions about the Examen
How long does the Daily Examen take? Usually 10 to 15 minutes, though you can pray a shorter version in five.
When should I pray it? Most people pray it in the evening, looking back on the day. Some
What if I can't remember much of my day?That's common, especially at first. Start with just one moment you do remember and let that be enough.
Resources for going deeper
The Daily Examen at IgnatianSpirituality.com, a guide from Loyola Press
Reimagining the Examen app, guided Examen prayers for your phone
7 Contemplative Prayer Practices, our free guide to the Examen and six other practices
Practice with others
Want to explore practices like the Examen in community? Contemplation Lab meets Monday evenings at Oak Hill UMC in Southwest Austin. Newcomers are always welcome, and no experience is needed.
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