Evening Prayer (Examen)

Psalm 23 is a reflection on the constant presence of God our Shepherd. The challenge to our relationship with God then is not the absence of his presence, but the distraction of our attention. One helpful practice in strengthening our awareness of our daily being Shepherded is a nightly rhythm of prayer – often called an Evening Examen.

In an evening examen, we end our day in prayer looking back over the day with gratitude and intention to see how God was at work throughout the day, when he felt distant, and what he’s inviting us into tomorrow.

You may want to practice this over dinner with your family or roommates, before your prepare for bed, or as the final thing you do in bed before going to sleep. You may prefer writing these in a journal or talking to God out loud.

For this week, discuss with your Discipleship Group when and how often you will try out this practice. (3-7 times recommended)

Different traditions have different names and parts that compose an examen, I (Ryan) have found thinking of three arrows pointing three different directions as a simple guide to this form of prayer.

After settling into a posture of prayer and attention to God’s presence in prayer.

↑ (Upward) – Looking back over the day, what was your “high point?” One moment that caused you to feel fully alive, at peace, joyful, happy, comforted, whole, connected – when were you experientially aware of God’s presence and provision. (Examples: morning walk, bringing food to an unhoused person near your work, cooking dinner, listening to a new album, having a hard but necessary conversation, playing with your kids, etc.) Name this moment and thank God for his presence and provision.

↓ (Downward) – Looking back over the day, what was your “low point?” One moment that left you drained, frustrated, irritated, angry, sad, sorrowful, alone, isolated, unaccepted, fragmented – when did you feel far away from God? (Examples: harsh words from a coworker, rejection, sinful behavior, lustful or greedy thoughts, wasted time, missed opportunity to care or serve out of selfishness) Name this moment and ask God to speak into that moment. If it was hurtful words, what does God say over that statement? If it was a moment of sin, take a time of confession, repentance, and listen to God for an assurance of his forgiveness through Christ. If it was a loss or something that grieved you, bring this to God and ask him to bring comfort.

→ (Into) – Looking forward to tomorrow, what do you believe God is inviting you to lean into tomorrow? What events or conversations will tomorrow hold? What challenges or temptations might you face? What would it look like for you to meet them aware of God’s shepherding presence? Consider, plan, and pray for that posture.

Finally, thank God for his presence, entrust today and tomorrow to him. Pray for sleep, possibly through Psalm 4:8, “I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.”

Or allow Psalm 23:3, “He lets me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters” to be a picture in your mind as you go to sleep. Rather than counting sheep, consider your Shepherd.