The Prayer of Examen: A Daily Habit to Hear God More Clearly
Ever end your day feeling disconnected from God? The Prayer of Examen, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 1500s, is a powerful daily rhythm that helps you review your day in God’s presence. This simple, yet transformative habit can help you notice God’s voice, grow in gratitude, and live with greater clarity and peace.
What Is the Prayer of Examen?
The Examen is a form of spiritual reflection and prayerful meditation. It walks you through a review of your day, guided by the Holy Spirit. For disciple makers, it’s especially valuable—it sharpens your awareness of where God is moving, and where He’s inviting you to respond.
How to Practice the Examen (5 Simple Steps)
- Become Aware of God’s Presence
Ask the Holy Spirit to walk with you through your day. Invite clarity where the day feels like a blur. - Review the Day with Gratitude
Look back on your interactions, tasks, and moments of joy. Thank God for the small gifts—the food you ate, the conversations you had, the beauty you noticed. - Pay Attention to Your Emotions
Reflect on your feelings. Were you bored, excited, frustrated, joyful? What might God be saying through those emotions? Often, our feelings are signs of where He is at work—or where He’s inviting us to grow. - Choose One Moment and Pray from It
Ask God to highlight a specific moment from your day—a conversation, feeling, or situation. Spend time praying into it. Praise, repent, or ask for wisdom as needed. - Look Toward Tomorrow
Anticipate the next day. Ask God for insight into challenges ahead. Turn your hopes, concerns, and questions into prayer.
Tips for Success
- Set aside 15 minutes at the end of each day
- Journal your insights over time
- Be flexible—some days you may focus more on one step than another
- Let the Holy Spirit lead
Bonus: Use a Guided App
Try the Reimagining the Examen App, based on Mark E. Thibodeaux’s book. It offers 34 themed versions of the Examen to fit your mood, challenges, or stage of life. It’s available on both iOS and Android.
The Examen turns your ordinary day into sacred ground. It helps you see where God was with you—and prepares you to follow Him more closely tomorrow.
Make this prayer part of your spiritual rhythm—and watch your awareness of God grow.
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