Library

The daily examen: a ten-minute evening review

An old Christian practice for ending the day with gratitude, honesty and hope. Perfect for a journal.

The examen is a short evening prayer that looks back over the day with God. Christians have practised it for centuries. It takes about ten minutes, and it works best written in a journal.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23–24, KJV)

1. Be still Sit quietly for a minute. Ask God to help you see your day honestly and kindly.

2. Give thanks Walk back through the day hour by hour. Write down three things you are grateful for, however small.

3. Notice Where did you feel most alive, peaceful or close to God today? Where did you feel drained, anxious or far from him? Write a line about each.

4. Own it Where did you fall short in words, attitudes or actions? Confess it simply. If you need to make something right with someone, note it for tomorrow.

5. Look ahead Look at tomorrow's calendar. Ask for help with the hardest part of it, and choose one way to love someone well.

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22–23, KJV)

Make it a habit Add an "Evening examen" habit in your Command Center with a reminder at a time you are usually home and settled.