Examen is a reflective practice. The Examen is an ancient practice that can help us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience. It originated with St. Ignatius.
Practicing the examen usually looks back onto the current day. For example, I use this practice most often as I drift off to sleep – asking God to help me see today through divine eyes, what am I thankful for and where did I see God’s presence that day. What a wonderful way to fall asleep being with God.
Dennis Hamm called this practice “Rummaging for God: Praying backwards through your day.” Isn’t that a wonderful description? Here is an article he wrote about the prayer of examen.
But examen can also be used to look back reflectively over any period of time as in a yearly review. Last week I shared with you some thoughtful questions to ask, but since then read this article from Ignatian Spirituality website about examen for the whole year that is well worth your time to read. Here is a summary of its steps.
- Become aware of God’s presence.
- Review the year with gratitude.
- Pay attention to your emotions.
- Choose one feature of the year and pray from it.
- Look forward to the new year.
After reading this article I remembered another tip to share about reviewing a year. I usually reread my journal but also make the time to pause and enjoy all the photos on my phone from the past year. Amazing what pops up that I forgot, that reveals insight and brings delight to my spirit.
One other place to review is the calendar. My scribbles from January meetings and appointments and my coffee dates with friends remind me life emerges in the ordinary minutes of our days.
When you take time to look back at what God has done, you can find meaning and encouragement from last year and see how he wants to walk with you into the next one. It’s worth the time to look back and see how you got here and where you want to go next. So, here’s to a new year of intention and purpose.
Do you practice an annual examen? What lessons have your learned when looking back onto 2023?
Jean, I’m with you, finding that using those final minutes of the day as my body falls asleep to praise God for who He is, to unpack the day’s events, to release all people and concerns and plans into His loving care.
It sure beats counting sheep or looking at the clock, doesn’t it …
I agree, Linda and falling asleep while praying – what a great way to close out a day!
You’ve inspired me Jean to read through my gratitude journal with new eyes, looking for God’s hand in my experiences of 2024. Even now while considering one particular highlight from 2024, I can see his hand of mercy and grace as well as blessing. An addendum page of reflection on 2023 will undoubtedly bring more insight and delight!
I think rereading your gratitude journal is a great idea! Sometimes seeing the year as whole, reflecting once past some events bring more lessons. Happy Hunting for the Holy!
thank you jean…i dont look back over the year …barely know what i did a minute ago….kinda like a trip..aft you come back you reflect on it ..knowing there were high points and low points…one year flows into another…high points..low points…but ya just grab Jesus hand and keep a goin…peace
Keep hanging onto Jesus, Pat!
I haven’t kept a journal in ages, Jean, but I ordered a Biblically focused one for the coming year. It’s difficult to do a proper examen without one, although photos can be helpful. Thanks for the articles here, too!
Blessings!
That Biblical focused journal sounds wonderful, Martha. I know not everyone likes to journal or find journaling only beneficial for a season but I find writing the words out helps me name, notice more and helps me articulate what I am experiencing. Then rereading it – wow what lessons emerge!