The Examen
October 26, 2022
This episode’s spiritual discipline is the Examen – but don’t worry, this isn’t a test! It’s an ancient practice combining prayer, thankfulness, and reflection. As they walk through the steps of the Examen, Adam and Micki Ann discuss the importance of reflective practices.
In simplest terms, the Examen is the process of prayerfully reflecting on your day. As you go over the events, feelings, and conversations that happened, invite God to highlight moments to you, offering thanks and asking forgiveness as needed. Part of what makes this practice unique is the focus on feelings. As Micki Ann explains, God speaks to us through our hearts, so knowing ourselves better is helpful in growing closer to God.
Listen in to this episode to hear Micki Ann’s thoughts about getting to live your day twice and why the Examen is so valuable.
Jump Through the Conversation
[0:37] Why talk about spiritual practices on this podcast
[1:34] The etymology of “examen”
[2:51] What is The Examen?
[6:19] The steps of The Examen
1. Looking back on your day with God
2. Reviewing your day and expressing thanks
3. Paying attention to feelings (consolations and desolations)
4. Asking for forgiveness
5. Looking ahead to the next day
[14:50] What it really means to examine our feelings
[18:20] Adam’s thoughts on this practice
[22:26] The benefits of “living your day twice”
[26:13] The importance of reflection
[29:20] The fruitfulness of The Examen
Being able to see that God is at work in your life
Knowing our own hearts
Reflecting
[32:37] Closing thought from John Calvin
A resource of the Chattanooga House of Prayer