Prayer of Examen: a Conversation
Our second Pocket Prayer for this Summer Series is the Prayer of Examen, and this is the follow-up conversation. If you missed the post introducing the Examen, you’ll find it here…
So did you try out the Prayer of Examen this week? I tried out different methods on different evenings: an audio version one night; the Cobbleworks Examen cards another night, and looking back at photos on my phone from the day another time. This week my preference was to flow through the rhythm of the steps myself, rather than use an outside prompt, but I appreciated being more intentional with the practice rather than thinking of a few things to be grateful for as I start to doze.
"Reflection is one of our most precious resources - our compassionate attention opens the doors to curiosity, empathy, and growth"
From Jen Willhoite’s Cobbleworks Examen Cards
Our twins have just moved from their cots into their toddler beds and are developing very different bedtime routines. One will go straight to sleep while the other seems to have an endless checklist to complete before finally lying down to fall asleep. I could do with more of an evening routine to help me wind down at the end of the day, and I’ve appreciated the reminder of how helpful the Prayer of Examen can be in closing down the day and gently looking to tomorrow. Paul and I both appreciated the chance to savour precious moments in our day (especially in the middle of busy summer holidays). Did you try the Examen out? Do you have rituals or routines that help you to finish your day?
For paid subscribers, the audio of my conversation with Paul is below. We cover the examen, evening routines and our changing definitions of prayer. We’ve made this section for paid subscribers only to create a safe little nook of the internet for this Summer Series conversation. If you’re interested in listening in, sign up as a subscriber for the month (£4) and then feel free to cancel your subscription at the end of July. Here is a link to the full Pocket Prayers Series.
See you on Monday for Praying with our Feelings,
Debbie