Do you have an evening routine?
Routines help us by saving brain power and time in decision making, give our day structure and either starts my day with healthier habits or helps me unwind at bedtime.
Kendra over at the Lazy Genius wrote a great blog post about the value of routines and it is well worth your time reading her wisdom. Much to ponder in that article.
Emily Freeman in her latest podcast discusses evening routines and her words made me assess one of the essential tasks I do before falling asleep each night. I ask myself four evening routine questions.
Four Evening Routine Questions
Previously I rotated between three questions at night to review the day with God. I wrote about this on this post. My routine is based on the ancient prayer practice called the Daily Examen. This prayer is a prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God’s presence and discern his direction. With this prayer we clearly discover God’s blessing in our ordinary life. The Examen helps us see God’s hand at work in our whole experience and originated with St. Ignatius.
Here are my questions with the newest #4 added just this year.
- When did I feel God’s presence today? Where did I see the holy?
I have learned to start with this one and to be honest, have realized how many of my days are mindless and future-focused so much, I miss God’s gifts in the present. By asking this question as a routine, I am amazed at my growing awareness of God throughout the day.
2. What am I most grateful for?
Ending the day counting my blessings is the best way to fall asleep and often I am out before getting to the next two questions.
3. What am I least grateful for?
Reviewing what didn’t work as well for me that day in the light of God’s presence and in gratefulness for all that did work, usually shrinks the negative into a doable, easier to let go fragment of life.
- How did my word of the year, GO, come alive today?
Some of my words of the year melt into the background of busyness and never get fully developed. In 2021 my word is GO. I am trying to give this year’s word space to grow by cultivating it daily. GO invites me to take a risk, be bold for God, ask for help where I often hesitate, and stretch into the unknown with courage. GO reminds me to watch for Grace Observed and go the distance. Somedays I ponder what I need to let go of or go for in life.
What evening routine do you practice that gives you life and brings you closer to God? Let’s share and learn from one another.
Very interesting idea – these thoughtful questions just before bed. I don’t think I’ve really considered it before but am definitely intriqued. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Jennifer. I found so much power to asking questions for living a reflective life Easter Blessings!
Jean, the daily examen is a great way to end the day, I use a form of it as well and incorporate my word of the year, “Joy” into it!
I know incorporating my word into this practice has really reminded me to activate “go’ into my daily living.
Jean, I so enjoyed this post as the questions are such a good way to reflect and bring the day to a close. This morning as I said goodbye to my husband at the door, I felt compelled to look up. As I did, I experience my holy moment – for there in the trees was a hawk, stately perched and breathtaking. So grateful this morning to be reminded by your questions to be focused and not miss the moments when God just surprisingly shows up!
wow Joanna, I love the moment you captured. What a perfect example of a holy moment
Jean, these are great questions! I review my day each evening, but your questions are more thorough. Thanks for sharing.
Like you Lisa, these questions help me. Thanks for stopping by and commenting
I am visiting from the link up. Thanks so much for these words. They were a challenge to me that I needed.
Thanks for stopping by Kim. Glad you enjoyed my post. Hope we can connect again.
What a wonderful way to end the day!
Thank you Barb!
I love that 4th question in particular, Jean. I’ve been thinking so much about my word Uncertainty this year, too, but I really like the question that you’re framing around your word. I need to find something similar. I always learn something here every time I visit.
That foruth question was inspired by you and your encouragement throughout the year to live with our word more intentionally. So thank YOU!
After settling in bed at night I often review the latest scripture passage I’m trying to memorize, but not always. Your first question, Jean, intrigues me greatly. How often am I missing God’s presence and the holy, because I’m not paying attention? I just jotted myself a note and put it on my pillow!
I know that first question linger with me during the day too. I started my day with it today asking God to help me see him throughout my day. I think these questions are taking root in my soul
Oh these are really helpful questions to ask or to respond to, Jean. I’m always on the lookout for ones that cut to the chase and open our hearts.
Thank you for sharing these gems.
Aren’t powerful questions so life giving?
You have really inspired me here, Jean. I haven’t an evening routine as such, but your steps have convinced me to grab my journal before hitting the pillow and making these observations about my day. So simple, yet I can see that this practice will produce much fruit in my life. Thanks and blessings!
These question ground me and help me refocus on what really matters.