The Daily Examen — Evening Reflection
Lamentations 3:40
Restoring Hope MinistriesThe Daily Examen — Evening Reflection
Journaling Template · Spiritual Formation · Lamentations 3:40
"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD." — Lamentations 3:40
The Daily Examen is one of the oldest spiritual practices in Christian history. It is not about keeping score — it is about attention. Slowly looking back at the day for where God was present, where you were most yourself, and where you were most closed or distant from Him.
Step 1 — Be Still
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Before reviewing the day, take three slow breaths. What emotions are present in your body right now?
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Ask God to help you see the day clearly — not to condemn, but to illuminate.
1. Before reviewing the day, take three slow breaths. What emotions are present in your body right now?
2. Ask God to help you see the day clearly — not to condemn, but to illuminate.
Step 2 — Gratitude
1. What are you most grateful for from today — one specific moment, gift, or person?
2. Where did you notice beauty, goodness, or delight today?
Step 3 — Review the Day
1. Walk through the day in your mind. Where did you feel most alive, most engaged, most yourself?
2. That is consolation — a gift worth noticing and savoring.
3. Where did you feel most flat, most irritable, most closed, most distant from God?
4. That is desolation — not a failure, but an invitation to pay attention.
Step 4 — Honest Look
1. Where did you fall short today — in attitude, word, action, or omission?
2. Bring it honestly. Receive the grace. You are not performing — you are practicing.
3. Is there anything from today that needs to be addressed tomorrow — a conversation, an apology, an act of care?
Step 5 — Looking Forward
1. What are you entering tomorrow with? What weight, what hope, what unfinished business?
2. Hand tomorrow to God. Write a one-sentence prayer of release.
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For personal and counseling use only. Not for redistribution without permission.