Evening Examen
Looking at the day with God.
An ancient practice of reviewing the day in his presence.
The big idea
An unexamined day passes through you. An examined one shapes you.
What does “Evening Examen” walk through?
Search Me
Psalm 139:23-24 · KJV
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.
In plain English
God, search me. Look at my heart. See where I went wrong, and lead me back to your way.
Five Questions
At day's end, ask: When did I feel God's presence? When did I miss it? What am I grateful for? What needs forgiveness? What's one thing for tomorrow? Five minutes. Massive over time.
He Restores My Soul
Psalm 23:1 · KJV
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In plain English
God guides and cares for you like a good shepherd. With him, you have what you truly need.
“An examined life is the only kind worth living.”
Don't Skip the Gratitude
Most of us only look back to find what went wrong. The examen starts with what was good. Even on a hard day, naming three good moments rewires what you carry into sleep.
Pray
Lord, walk me back through this day. Show me what mattered. Forgive what I missed. Send me to bed lighter than I started.
Write it down
What's one moment from today you want to thank God for? What's one you want to give him?
You finished: Evening Examen
The day is done. He's still here. Sleep in his peace.
Which passages does this journey use?
2 passages, drawn from Psalm 139:23-24, Psalm 23:1. Every verse appears here in the King James text with a plain-English line beside it, so you can read it without a commentary open. Allow about 5 minutes for the whole thing, or 6 short sittings.
- Psalm 139:23-24
- Psalm 23:1
Read any of these in full on the complete KJV, or look the wording up independently at Blue Letter Bible.
More in Everyday Faith
All Everyday Faith →Rest for the Weary
A walk through the words of Jesus.
When Faith Meets Trial
Courage and trust when life gets heavy.
Amazing Grace
The gift that rewrites everything.
Wisdom for Today
Living well in ordinary hours.
Peace in the Storm
For when worry rises.
Love That Shows Up
Love, translated into Tuesday.