The Examen is a simple prayer method in which you look back over your day. It helps you notice how God is drawing you toward him, and what draws you away from him. This information enables you to spend as much of your future days with God as possible.
The Examen has five steps—given below—which should take you no longer than fifteen minutes.
Take a little time to settle down and rest in God’s presence. He is with you right now.
Thank God for the gifts of the day. Don’t restrict yourself to the big things like family, employment or a roof over your head. You may just be thankful for the smile of a stranger.
Replay the day in your mind. Ask God to highlight the moments that he would like you to notice.
Pick the most significant event from step 3.
Speak to God—as to a friend—about it.
What did the Examen highlight?
Look ahead to the day to come. How can you orient your day more toward God? Decide what concrete actions you can take, and do them, in the day to come.