The Practice of the Daily Examen: Reflection for the Second Week in Lent

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we journey deeper into Lent, we are called to cultivate greater self-awareness and attentiveness to God’s presence in our daily lives. One powerful spiritual discipline to help us in this is the Daily Examen—a prayerful reflection on the events of the day to discern God’s presence and our responses to God's grace.

Rooted in the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola, this practice is deeply in line with the Orthodox understanding of watchfulness (nepsis)—an inner attentiveness that helps us remain awake to God’s movements in our lives. The Examen invites us to pause, reflect, and realign ourselves with God’s will each day.

How to Practice the Daily Examen

Set aside 10–15 minutes at the end of your day. Find a quiet place, take a deep breath, and begin:

1. Become aware of God’s presence

• Sit quietly and allow yourself to become aware of God’s loving presence.

• You might say a simple prayer like:

“Lord, help me see this day through Your eyes. Let me recognize Your presence in my life.”

2. Give thanks for the day

• Recall the events of your day and express gratitude for specific blessings—big or small.

• Thank God for moments of joy, kindness, beauty, or learning.

• If the day was difficult, thank God for sustaining you.

3. Review the day with honesty

• Walk through your day, hour by hour. Ask yourself:

• When did I feel closest to God?

• When did I feel distant from God or distracted?

• Were my words and actions loving, or did I act in ways I regret?

• Pay attention to moments of consolation (where you felt peace, joy, love) and desolation (where you felt anxious, angry, or disconnected).

4. Seek forgiveness and healing

• Where you recognize failings, ask God’s mercy.

• You might pray:

“Lord, have mercy on me. Where I have fallen short, help me to grow. Where I have been wounded, bring healing.”

• If someone hurt you, bring that to God. If you need to forgive, ask for the grace to do so.

5. Look ahead to tomorrow

• Ask God for guidance for the coming day.

• Consider one concrete way to live with more love, patience, or courage.

• End with a prayer such as:

“Lord, walk with me into tomorrow. Let me see Your light and share it with others.”

This practice, done daily, shapes us to become more attentive to God’s work in our lives and more responsive to God's call.

May your Lenten journey be blessed as you deepen your awareness of God’s presence in all things.

In Christ’s peace,

Dean Chris