This I desire: integrity— heart and mind undivided unfragmented undistracted truly focused deeply centered all transparent and devoted— set apart for only You. So take this moment: give me grace to know truth see your hand understand what you did how you worked what I did what it meant— how to live set apart for only You.
There is that healthy moment before going to sleep when gratitude is the focus, settling the mind into peace. Then comes morning, the start of a new day, with time set aside for worship and preparation. For me, that includes journaling, praying Scriptures, studying Scriptures, and prayer—mostly intercession. But there is another spiritual discipline that has crept into those sacred rhythms, that I want to develop. It increases one’s recognition of God’s presence and promotes confession, healing, and ongoing growth.
It is called “examen.” That comes from Latin, meaning “examination,” and is still used in French for “test.” Back in the 16th century, Ignatius required his Jesuit companions to practice this form of contemplative prayer at noon and before sleep. Perhaps that Catholic origin has kept it hidden from most of us Protestants, but it is becoming recognized as a powerful tool for developing spiritual awareness and discernment.
My daily schedule would make noon and bedtime difficult moments for this kind of contemplative prayer, at least most of the time. But while reviewing it I realized that my morning “quiet time” is already incorporating it. Journaling takes me back through the previous day and leads me to write short prayers that come out of that review.
I found a very helpful outline of steps for practicing the examen published by Baylor University,[1] and will be using it to structure my personal process in the morning. Perhaps it will be helpful for some of you as well. It is adapted from the online site of Gravity Center—and I recently finished reading Mindful Silence, written by one of the founders of that center and a spiritual director there, Phileena Heuertz.[2] Here are the five classic points:
- Acknowledge an awareness of God’s Presence.
- Review the day in a posture of gratitude.
- Recognize a “Consolation” and a “Desolation” from the day.
- Choose a “Desolation” to pray into.
- Look with hope for new tomorrow.
Baylor’s site makes an important point: “Often, the Examen awakens the practitioner to the Divine through routine or ordinary moments to illustrate the subtle and surprising ways God speaks. This prayer practice helps cultivate and refine discernment as well as an awareness of God’s presence.”[3]
Some terms in the classic outline need definition.
A “consolation” is something that took place for which you are deeply grateful, especially one that reminded you of God’s presence and love. Did you notice a fruit of the Spirit being lived out in your walk? What part of the day felt the most life-giving?[4]
A “desolation” is something that took place that distressed you, that felt the most life-thwarting. It may even have made you question God’s nearness. It is the moment for which you are the least grateful.[5] Was it that you demonstrated a lack of one of the fruits of the Spirit? It may lead to confession, and determination to practice change in that area.
The goal that inspires me is “keeping company with Jesus throughout the highs and lows of the day.[6] I have already experienced that benefit through the years of journaling those moments and reflecting on what they mean.
This can also be used as a part of a retreat, focusing on what has been happening during the past month, the past six months, or the past year.[7] It provides a sound base for praying regarding guidance for the future as you recognize themes, whether they are about your learning curve, ministry, or even a need to change in some area. What has God been doing? What have you been doing? What patterns are evident?
This practice reminds us that God is near and at work in us, even when things happen that are uncomfortable or painful. They cause us to rely increasingly on his grace. Perhaps that increased reliance on him is actually the best part! I have noticed that I am more aware of my weaknesses, my stumbling. I have seen this as one way that God prompts me to turn from certain attitudes and failures and grow in healthier directions. Using the structure of examen will make the process more rigorous, and help me to be more attentive to God’s prompts toward both change and actions that flow from spiritual fruit.
This reminder in Scripture has been a tremendous reassurance to me on my life journey: You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. (Ps. 139:3 NIV) He knows all that I do, everywhere I am. This is great comfort, because he loves me. When I contemplate what has been happening, it gives an opening for him to use his insight to prompt me towards more spiritual growth.
As my constant companion, he is the one empowering me to live the way that I should: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10 NIV)
He wants me to grow! Paul wrote it this way: And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, (Phil. 1:9 NIV)
May it be so!
[1] Baylor>Spiritual Life>Mindfulness>Examen https://www.baylor.edu/spirituallife/index.php?id=971624
[2] Heuertz, Phileena. Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation. (IVP Books, InterVarsity Press: Downers Grove, IL: 2018)
[3] Baylor.
[4] Calhoun, Adele Ahlberg. Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us. (Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Books, 2005), 52-53.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid., 52.
[7] Ibid., 54.
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