Ancient Spiritual
Disciplines:
The Examen
“In the morning form your intention and at night examine your conduct…”
- Thomas a Kempis
“The unexamined
life is not worth living.”
- Socrates
The
Examen is taking time to reflect on the past day before rushing on to live the
next. It is looking back and taking stock in order to become more aware of
life, our own motives, and God’s presence. As you look back at the highs and
lows of the day you discover things to pray for and become aware of your own
unhealthy ways of interacting with others. This exercise often makes us both
more grateful and more sorrowful about the events of the day – thus making us
more alive to life itself. Those with melancholic tendencies may find that
while the day’s low points stand out clearly, they need the Examen to help them
recognize the life-giving moments the Spirit brings during the day. Those
naturally inclined to optimism need the Examen to help them name the difficult
things in life. A natural place to do this exercise is at the end of the day –
perhaps making this exercise the last step in your “Daily Office” (see the
spiritual discipline of Daily Office). Here is one way to do it:
· Become still and quiet before God (some people find it helpful to light a candle or sit with their palms facing up, i.e. open to God).
· Think through each stage of your day and then ask four questions, taking time to reflect slowly on each one:
o For what moments today am I most grateful and for what moments today am I least grateful?
o Where did I see God at work in the world today?
o How did I join with God today?
o How did I resist God today?
· Consider how God is inviting you to pray about these things before you nestle into his arms and fall asleep. Close in prayer “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Adapted from “The Sacred Way” by Tony Jones , “Spiritual Disciplines Handbook” by Adele Calhoun, and Alan Hirsh