The Prayer of Examen
Summer Sampler 2025: The Spiritual Disciplines That Form Us
What are spiritual disciplines? And why are they relevant to our lives? Spiritual disciplines are purposeful practices that cultivate a deeper, richer, and more intentional relationship with God and others. They are not simply rituals, but tools for growth, transformation, and living a more Christ-like life. Each week in our Summer Sampler we will be exploring one of these disciplines. Our hope is that you’ll discover one or more that are a fit for you and that you can incorporate into your walk with Jesus.
By Leslea Linebarger
I don’t know about you, but I don’t always know my own heart. I can get so caught up in everyone else’s needs and priorities and opinions that I lose sight of my own. Life is often so full it’s hard to isolate the significant moments from the many thoughts, conversations, and events that livestream past us. I often have to pause to even notice the bush burning on the side of the road, to be able to hear from God or understand my own complicated self.
My daughter brought our grandkids out to visit recently, and it was a lovely afternoon of playing games, pretend play, and creativity. They always want me to play with them, and I am happy to oblige, as I adore them. I was so grateful they all had come, but as they were leaving, I began to feel bereft. I am always a little sad to see them go, but this felt deeper, and it left me puzzled. What was that about? The next day as I sat with God, I began to examine my day and my heart. It was clear that my time with them was the most joyous part of my day, but what did God have for me in noticing the sadness? As I invited him in and listened, I believe he showed me the importance of play and how I need more of it. And that the sadness was linked to how playing with others was a missing piece for me as a child. While I had to weep remembering this, I also felt joy that he is literally giving me a chance to be a kid again. How lovely that it’s with my grandkids! I closed my time by giving thanks for these insights. God helped me see a blind spot and glimpse his perspective through the lens of my own emotions. I so long to become a bearer of love and grace and joy rather than an unexplored emotional landmine.
We often mistrust our emotions, for they can surely lead us into the weeds. But those same emotions can also tell us something about what’s important to us and how and where God meets us in those emotional highs and lows. In those moments when we are willing to still ourselves and listen to our hearts, we find God is right in our midst.
Jesus himself paid attention to his human emotions and responded honestly to whatever the Father brought his way. Joy, compassion, gratitude, sadness, disappointment, anger, loneliness … all our very human emotions are visible in Jesus’ life as well. Yet his connection with his Father allowed him to respond with grace to each. Since we have his Spirit within us, we too can expect God will meet us where we are in the throes of daily life with all its joys and challenges.
“Since we have his Spirit within us, we too can expect God will meet us where we are in the throes of daily life with all its joys and challenges.”
One of my favorite quotes is this: “God comes to us disguised as our life.” Even my overly full and sometimes chaotic and frustrating life. Even if the life we have right now is not the one we would choose, God is right there in our midst. Since we aren’t necessarily good at recognizing him in the ordinary, examining our day with him can be a help. The Prayer of Examen, a spiritual practice developed by Ignatius of Loyola in 1522, allows us to discern his presence and promptings and gives us insights into living and responding with grace. Here are some basic steps to the Prayer of Examen.
Welcome God in. Find a place to sit, be still, and quiet the endless chatter in your head. Invite God to review your day with you, noticing what comes up without judgment. Pay attention to your honest emotions, for they have something to tell you.
Choose a focus question. Notice the highs and lows. We may want to ask, “For what today was I most grateful, and what brought me sorrow?” Or “What today was most life-giving, and what felt draining?” Or “When did I feel most connected to his Spirit, and when was I cooperating with my fears?” Sit with the question you choose and spend some time in reflection, inviting God to speak into your day and show you his perspective.
Pay attention to your emotions. We may know what made us feel sad or thrilled, fearful or angry, yet not know why. Relying on the Holy Spirit as our counselor, we may discover things about ourselves that invite a response.
Respond to God. Ask what he has for you in noticing what came up. Is there anything to be aware of, or any forgiveness needed? Rest in his grace and unconditional love. Give thanks for his presence and love. Walk in joy and newness of life.
“I have come in order that you may have life – life in all its fullness.” John 10:10
Want to learn more? You can take part in a video-guided Prayer of Examen at https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/prayer-of-examen/
For more about Spiritual Disciplines, check out the Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Calhoun.
Leslea Linebarger is a seasoned Bible study leader and Selah-trained spiritual director. Her ministry is centered in prayer and people’s stories and the places where they have encountered God. Leslea earned her Masters in Spirituality from Merrimack College and has served in women’s leadership, as a guest speaker, and as a hospice volunteer. She is also a wife, mother, and proud grandmother. In her leisure time she enjoys birding, spending time with family, playing games, dancing, and discovering new foods. In her role as a spiritual director, Leslea serves as a prayerful listener for women seeking discernment in their walk with God. She can be reached through the directory of Epiphany New England, an online resource for those seeking the ministry of spiritual direction.