How to pray the Evening Examen: a simple way to close the day with God

The Examen is a short prayer for the end of the day. It was taught by Ignatius of Loyola in the 1500s, and people from many church traditions still use it today because it is simple, honest and gentle.

Instead of asking “what should I pray for?”, the Examen asks “where was God today?” You look back over your day with God, notice what happened, and hand it all over before you sleep.

Why pray the Examen?

Most days pass in a blur. The Examen slows one of them down just long enough to notice things: a kind word you nearly missed, a moment you were short with someone, a worry that has been sitting in your chest since lunchtime.

It is a good fit for people who find long prayers hard, because it gives you a shape to follow. And it is a good fit for tired people, because you can do it lying in bed.

“Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”

— Psalm 139:23–24 (WEB)

The five steps

There are many versions. This is the classic shape, in plain words.

1. Presence

Stop. Breathe. Remind yourself that God is here, and has been with you all day. You might simply say, “Lord, I’m here. Help me to see my day the way you see it.”

2. Gratitude

Look back over the day and find something to be thankful for. Be specific: not “my family” but “the way Ellie laughed at dinner”. Thank God for it. If you find one thing, look for another.

3. The day

Now walk back through the day, hour by hour, like watching a film. Where did you feel close to God? Where did you feel far away? What moments stand out? Don’t analyse. Just notice.

4. Sorrow and forgiveness

Some moments will sting. A sharp reply, a chance to help that you let pass, a worry you let run the afternoon. Name them to God honestly and ask for forgiveness. Then receive it. The Examen is not about beating yourself up.

5. Tomorrow

Finally, look ahead. What is coming tomorrow? Ask God for what you will need: patience for a meeting, courage for a conversation, rest. Hand it over and let it go.

How long does it take?

As long as you need, and no longer. Some people spend twenty minutes; others pray the whole thing in the time it takes to brush their teeth. There is no right length. The point is to notice, not to finish.

If you are new to it, try spending just a moment on each step. You can always stay longer on the step that catches you.

Tips for starting

• Pick a moment you already have. Lying in bed with the light off works well. So does the walk home.
• Keep it private. No one needs to hear what you notice. It’s between you and God.
• Expect some days to feel flat. That’s normal. Faithfulness matters more than feelings.
• Write things down sometimes. Over a few weeks, patterns appear: what gives you life, and what drains it.

Pray it with Prayershake

Prayershake includes the Evening Examen as a guided prayer. It walks you through the five steps one at a time, and nothing moves on until you tap, so you can stay as long as you need on any step. You can add it to your day and it will be waiting for you each night.