Episode 62 - Prayer of Examen

In this episode, Karen and Brooklyn discuss the Prayer of Examen.  This prayer is a helpful tool in reflecting on our days and processing them with God.  Through the process of examen, we open ourselves not only to the Holy Spirit’s scrutiny but also His love as we learn to see how God was present in each day.  This practice may sound daunting, but we hope you walk away filled with the desire to know God more deeply through the prayer of examen.

We encourage you to dig deeper into this discussion by continuing the conversation with a friend or small group!

Questions for discussion:

1. Have you heard of the prayer of examen before or was this a new concept? What stood out to you in this podcast?
2. Why do you think we are so resistant to this practice (why has the American church not made this a common practice)?
3. Do you go through your days largely unaware of God’s presence? What practices do you use to remind you of God’s presence throughout the day? When are you most aware of God’s presence?
4. The examen of consciousness (consolation) aids us in becoming more aware of God and how God uses events, people and places for our good.  Think back over the past 24 hours.  Can you share an example of how God blessed you or showed Himself to you in the past day?
5. The examen of conscience (desolation) reveals those things in our lives that are not working for our good, such as selfishness and sin. What about this process sounds daunting?  What about this process sounds good?
6. Psalm 139: 23, 24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of life.” These verses are helpful as we go before the Lord in the process of examen. Why do you think David is so eager to have the Lord search him? What do we know about God that can help us be more eager? (What attributes of God make Him trustworthy in this process?)
7. Psalm 24 “Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?  Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies.” Brooklyn cautioned that we cannot do this process without God.  What is the danger in reflecting on our day without God’s help? Have you ever done this?  How did it go? Do you tend toward making excuses or shaming yourself?
8. Are you a journaler?  Why do you like or shy away from journaling?  How could journaling be beneficial in the process of examen?
9. Last week you made a covenant to pray daily.  This week we encourage you to practice the Prayer of Examen each day. Follow the five steps discussed in the podcast as you allow God to examine you.