Moving toward God through intentional practice
The practices we keep in life shape and form us along the way. Being intentional about those practices allows us to hold agency over who we’re becoming. Without intentionality, we simply drift in whatever direction the winds of our world want to take us. We’re choosing to engage in spiritual practices that enable us to be and become the men, women and children God designed us to be.
Spiritual practices are:
“Habits, practices, and experiences that are designed to develop, grow, and strengthen certain qualities of spirit - to build the “muscles” of one’s character and expand the breadth of one’s inner life. They structure the “workouts” which train the soul.”
~ Richard Foster
Every other month, we’ll focus on one spiritual practice intended to shape and form us in God’s image …
Examen Prayer
September/October 2026
The prayer of Examen has been prayed by faithful Christians for centuries, and it’s still a gift to us today. The prayer is primarily a reflection on your most recent day. Amidst the rushed pace of modern life, it’s an opportunity to slow down and be with God. Through Examen prayer, we become more aware of the presence and work of God in our lives.
Psalm 139.1-3
You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Isn’t it so good to know that God is not caught up in the busyness of our world? Not only that, but, as David acknowledges in this Psalm, He cares enough to know every last detail about our lives. And, as Jesus promised, He will guide us if we’re willing to receive His guidance.
Practice
Find a time of the day when you can take 7 minutes of silence. Pray the simple, five step, prayer of Examen:
Enter into prayer - calm your mind and invite God in. Thank God for anything that stands out as a gift in your day.
Ask God to lead you to moments of significance in your day.
Review your day, scene by scene, looking for highlight moments of joy/encouragement and lower moments of regret/discouragement. Don’t linger on any particular moment… just acknowledge it and keep reviewing.
Choose one highlight or low moment to pray from. Ask God to show you what He was doing in that moment. Respond appropriately (e.g. thanks, repentance).
Look ahead. Is there anything you anticipate with joy or apprehension? Pray about that. End with gratitude.
Tell your story - don’t forget to tell others about how it’s going.